Lok Sabha Question No. 132 (STARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Cases of Price Coordination in the Steel Sector
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 132

## ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

## CASES OF PRICE COORDINATION IN THE STEEL SECTOR QUESTION

132.   Shri Sasikanth Sentil:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  cases  relating  to  alleged  price  coordination  in  the  steel sector  were  examined/investigated  by  the  Government  during  the period 2015 to 2023;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  such  cases,  including  findings  recorded  and directions issued under the Competition Act, 2002, in this regard;
- (c) whether any penalties or remedial measures were imposed by the Government pursuant to such findings, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government  to  prevent recurrence of anti-competitive practices in the steel sector; and
- (e) whether any safeguards/mechanism have been put in place by the Government to protect consumers and downstream industries from the impact of such practices and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF FINANCE            (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION  NO.  132  FOR  09.02.2026  REGARDING  CASES  OF  PRICE COORDINATION IN THE STEEL SECTOR.

(a)  to (c):  The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has registered a case  pertaining  to  the  alleged  cartelisation  by  steel  manufacturers pursuant to the directions of the Hon'ble Madras High Court in Criminal Original Petition No. 6153 of 2021. The Director General, CCI was directed to conduct investigation in accordance with law.  After investigation, the Director General submitted the Investigation Report, which was shared with  the  parties  with  directions  to  file  their  objections/suggestions  in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002. The matter is presently under inquiry before the Commission as per the provisions of the Act.

(d)  &  (e):  The  Competition  Commission  of  India  (CCI) inter  alia  is mandated  to  prevent  practices  having  adverse  effect  on  competition. Towards this, the CCI examines the Information(s)/ References received alleging  anti-competitive  practices  or  initiates suo  moto  inquiries  in appropriate cases.

Upon completion of the inquiry, the CCI issues orders, including cease and desist directions, imposition of monetary penalties, and such other remedies as may be warranted, in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, where contravention of its provisions is established.

Further, the Ministry of Steel has informed that Steel is a deregulated sector and steel prices are determined by demand supply dynamics of market forces, input cost of steel companies and prevailing taxes/duties. The  Government  acts  as  a  facilitator,  by  creating  a  conducive  policy environment for the development of the steel sector including small and medium producers in the country.

- *****