Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), India’s premier electricity exchange, is expanding beyond power trading with the proposed launch of a dedicated coal trading platform, Indian Coal Exchange Ltd, marking the group’s entry into the coal market.
IEX said its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Coal Exchange, has applied to the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) for a licence to operate as a coal exchange. The CCO is the regulatory authority for coal exchanges.
₹100 crore authorised capital
IEX incorporated Indian Coal Exchange on June 1, 2026, with an authorised share capital of ₹100 crore. The proposed exchange will operate as a physical delivery-based coal trading platform, providing an organised and technology-enabled marketplace for coal transactions under the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026.
The platform is expected to bring coal buyers and sellers together on a single, neutral marketplace. Trades will be facilitated at designated delivery points, with the exchange aimed at improving price discovery and expanding market access for participants.
Expanding across the energy value chain
The proposed coal exchange builds on IEX’s 18 years of experience in developing technology-driven and market-based trading platforms. The company said the new venture will complement its existing presence across different segments of the energy market.
IEX operates the electricity market, while its group company Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) is a natural gas trading platform. The group also facilitates the issuance of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) in India.
The addition of coal trading would therefore broaden the group’s presence across electricity, natural gas, coal and renewable energy-related markets.
Focus on transparent coal trading
The proposed Indian Coal Exchange is intended to provide a structured marketplace for physical coal transactions, with technology playing a central role in connecting market participants and facilitating trades.
For coal buyers and sellers, an organised exchange-based mechanism could provide a common platform for transactions, while designated delivery points are expected to support standardised physical settlement.
The proposed entry also comes as IEX seeks to leverage its existing market infrastructure and experience in exchange-based price discovery across another major segment of India’s energy economy.
The proposed platform will commence operations subject to obtaining the required regulatory licence from the CCO