Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has recorded multiple best-ever milestones in production, sales and operational efficiency during the first half of financial year 2026-27 (April-September 2026) as well as in September 2026. The performance has been driven by the company's continued focus on operational excellence, high-end steel production, improved efficiency and financial discipline, strengthening its competitive position.

During April-September 2026, SAIL recorded its best-ever production of hot metal, crude steel and finished steel at 10.2 million tonnes, 9.6 million tonnes and 8.39 million tonnes, respectively. Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, production increased by 2 per cent in hot metal and by 1 per cent each in crude steel and finished steel. The share of finished steel in total saleable steel production also improved to 89.2 per cent, compared with 86.8 per cent during April-September 2025.

With a focus on products that improve Net Sales Realisation (NSR), SAIL achieved its best-ever high-end steel production of around 2 million tonnes during April-September 2026, registering a 30 per cent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year. The company also recorded its best-ever April-September performance in both iron ore production and sales. Iron ore production increased by 13 per cent, while iron ore sales rose sharply by 190 per cent to 2.671 million tonnes. During the period, dispatches of long rails and wheels and axles to Indian Railways increased by 7 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

On the techno-economic front, specific energy consumption improved to 6.17 Giga Calories per tonne of crude steel, registering a 0.5 per cent improvement and marking the company's best-ever first-half performance. During the first half of financial year 2026-27, SAIL reduced its inventory by approximately 0.145 million tonnes and brought down its borrowings by around ₹1,080 crore.

The company maintained its strong momentum in September 2026, with focused marketing initiatives and efficiency improvements delivering robust results. SAIL recorded its best-ever September saleable steel sales at 1.69 million tonnes, representing a 4 per cent increase over September 2025. Its retail branded product, SAIL SeQR TMT bars, recorded its highest-ever sales of more than 1.5 lakh tonnes, while Tier-II retail sales grew by 3 per cent year-on-year. September also witnessed the best-ever sales for the month in specific product categories, including structurals, Plate Mill plates and galvanised plain sheets and coils.

The share of finished steel in total saleable steel production increased to 92 per cent in September 2026, compared with 89 per cent in September 2025. The fuel rate improved to 551 kilograms per tonne of hot metal, marking the company's best-ever September performance with a 1 per cent improvement. Continuing the trend recorded during the April-September period, both iron ore production and sales achieved their best-ever September performance. Iron ore production increased by 8 per cent over September 2025, while iron ore sales surged by 134 per cent to 0.492 million tonnes, marking a record September performance. During the month, the company also reduced its inventory by approximately 0.192 million tonnes and borrowings by around ₹208 crore.

The performance during September and the first half of financial year 2026-27 reflects SAIL's continued focus on operational efficiency, innovation, high-value steel production and financial prudence, positioning the company strongly for the remainder of the financial year.

Commenting on the performance, SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. A.K. Panda said that the record achievements during the first half of financial year 2026-27 and September reflected the collective commitment of the company's workforce towards efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth. He said that with its broad-based production capabilities and sharper focus on high-end steel, SAIL is well positioned to contribute more strongly to India's industrial progress in the months ahead.

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RDJ/BKT

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