New Delhi: India’s competition regulator has concluded that leading steel producers, including Tata Steel, JSW Steel and state-owned Steel Authority of India Limited, along with 25 other companies, violated antitrust rules by coordinating steel prices and sales strategies, Reuters reported.
In a detailed but confidential order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the companies acted in concert instead of competing independently, weakening market competition and impacting buyers. The conduct, according to the regulator, occurred across different phases over several years.
Exclusive: India’s competition watchdog has found market leaders Tata Steel, JSW Steel, state-run SAIL and 25 other firms breached antitrust law by colluding on steel selling prices, putting the companies and their executives at risk of hefty fines https://t.co/IdGadgzuWD
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 6, 2026
The watchdog found evidence suggesting that rival firms aligned their pricing moves and supply decisions, rather than allowing market forces to determine rates. Such coordination, the CCI observed, has the potential to push up prices in a sector that directly affects infrastructure projects, housing and manufacturing costs.
#CCI probe finds #TataSteel, #JSWSteel, #SAIL colluded on steel prices: Reuters reporthttps://t.co/Mc2f8lAlTg
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) January 6, 2026
Significantly, the regulator has also named several senior executives in its findings, indicating that responsibility may rest not only with companies but also with top management involved in key decisions. If the violations are confirmed in the final order, firms could face hefty financial penalties under competition law.
The findings are not yet final. All companies and individuals named in the order will be given an opportunity to respond before the Commission issues its conclusive ruling.
The case is being closely watched, as any confirmed action against major steelmakers could reshape pricing behaviour and compliance standards across India’s core industrial sector.
