Question 1

What solid fuels does Shaandaar EXIM source and procure?

Accepted Answer

Shaandaar EXIM can explore sourcing and procurement for Thermal Coal, Steam Coal, Coking Coal, Anthracite, Lignite, Metallurgical Coke, Foundry Coke, Industrial Coke, Petroleum Coke, Agro-Waste Briquettes, Sawdust Briquettes, Wood Briquettes, Industrial Biomass Briquettes, Wood Pellets, Agro-Residue Pellets, Sawdust Pellets, Industrial Biomass Pellets, Charcoal, Wood Charcoal, Industrial Charcoal and Carbonaceous Solid Fuels. The exact product, grade and specification are matched to the buyer's application, quantity, destination and commercial requirements.

Question 2

How does Shaandaar EXIM approach solid-fuel procurement for industrial buyers?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with understanding the buyer's fuel requirement rather than simply identifying a product name. Application, equipment, technical specification, consumption volume, delivery location, preferred origin, packaging, schedule and commercial expectations can all be considered before potential suppliers are evaluated. Shaandaar EXIM then facilitates sourcing through relevant producers, manufacturers, processors, suppliers or trading partners.

Question 3

Is Shaandaar EXIM a manufacturer of coal, coke or biomass fuels?

Accepted Answer

No. Shaandaar EXIM is positioned as a source-procurement and trade facilitation partner, not as the manufacturer or producer of the solid fuels listed on the website. Manufacturing, processing, product formulation and primary quality responsibility remain with the relevant supplier or producer. This distinction is important when buyers evaluate certifications, technical data, warranties, inspection and contractual responsibilities.

Question 4

Can Shaandaar EXIM source solid fuels according to a buyer's exact technical specification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A buyer does not have to select only from a generic catalogue description. Existing purchase specifications, tender specifications, laboratory reports, fuel-consumption requirements or equipment recommendations can be used as the basis for sourcing. Where a suitable supplier can meet the specified parameters, Shaandaar EXIM can explore the procurement opportunity accordingly.

Question 5

Which technical parameters should an industrial buyer provide in a solid-fuel RFQ?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate parameters depend on the fuel. For coal and coke, buyers may specify GCV, NCV, ash, moisture, sulphur, volatile matter, fixed carbon, phosphorus, size distribution, CSR, CRI, M40 or M10 where relevant. For biomass pellets and briquettes, moisture, ash, calorific value, bulk density, diameter, length, durability and feedstock composition may be important. The buyer's equipment and process should determine the final specification.

Question 6

Why is calorific value important when procuring solid fuel?

Accepted Answer

Calorific value indicates the amount of energy available from a given quantity of fuel and therefore affects fuel consumption, heat generation and operating economics. However, a higher calorific value does not automatically make one fuel better than another. Moisture, ash, sulphur, combustion characteristics, equipment compatibility, local fuel pricing and handling costs must also be considered.

Question 7

How are Indian coal grades determined?

Accepted Answer

For India's non-coking coal system, grades are based on Gross Calorific Value (GCV), while Indian coking-coal grading is based on ash content. The Ministry of Coal currently publishes GCV-based non-coking grades ranging from G1 through G17, while coking-coal grades are differentiated using ash limits.

Question 8

Does the same coal grade work for every industrial boiler or furnace?

Accepted Answer

No. Two facilities may use coal with different specifications because their boiler design, combustion system, fuel-feeding mechanism, operating temperature, emissions controls and process requirements differ. A commercially attractive coal should therefore be evaluated against the equipment's technical requirements rather than selected solely by grade name or price.

Question 9

What should buyers check when comparing thermal coal and steam coal?

Accepted Answer

The terminology can overlap in commercial markets, so buyers should avoid relying only on the label. The practical comparison should focus on GCV, ash, moisture, sulphur, volatile matter, size, combustion behaviour and the intended application. The Ministry of Coal notes that international coal classifications can differ by system, while Indian commercial classification also uses its own grading framework.

Question 10

When should a buyer specify coking coal rather than thermal coal?

Accepted Answer

Coking coal is relevant where the manufacturing process requires coal capable of producing suitable metallurgical coke, particularly for ironmaking and steelmaking applications. A thermal-fuel requirement should not be converted into a coking-coal specification simply because the latter may have different market characteristics. Coking requirements should instead be defined by the metallurgical process and parameters such as ash, sulphur, volatile matter, fluidity and coke-quality indicators.

Question 11

Can Shaandaar EXIM source anthracite for specialized applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anthracite can be explored where buyers require a high-rank, high-fixed-carbon coal for suitable industrial heating, metallurgical, filtration or other specialized uses. The specification should normally address fixed carbon, ash, moisture, volatile matter, calorific value and size. The actual suitability should be established against the buyer's application rather than assuming that the highest-carbon fuel is always the best choice.

Question 12

Is lignite suitable for every coal-fired application?

Accepted Answer

No. Lignite has different physical and combustion characteristics from higher-rank coal and generally contains significantly more inherent moisture. Its suitability therefore depends strongly on plant design, transport distance, moisture tolerance, combustion system and required energy output. Shaandaar EXIM can explore supply options, but final technical suitability should be validated by the buyer's engineering or operations team.

Question 13

What makes metallurgical coke different from ordinary industrial coke?

Accepted Answer

Metallurgical coke is generally procured for ironmaking and steelmaking processes where coke strength, reactivity and chemical composition are critical. Industrial coke is a broader category that can cover suitable solid carbon fuels for various industrial thermal processes. The required specification can therefore be substantially different even though both are carbon-rich solid fuels.

Question 14

What specifications are normally important for foundry coke?

Accepted Answer

Foundry coke is typically evaluated for characteristics relevant to cupola and metal-melting operations, including fixed carbon, ash, sulphur, moisture, volatile matter, size and mechanical strength. Furnace requirements can also make coke size and resistance to degradation especially important. A foundry buyer should provide the cupola or melting-system specification before procurement.

Question 15

Can Shaandaar EXIM source petroleum coke for fuel and carbon applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Petroleum coke can be explored for appropriate applications, including selected cement, industrial thermal, carbon and metallurgical uses. The buyer should distinguish between fuel-grade requirements and higher-purity carbon-material requirements because parameters such as sulphur, vanadium, nickel, volatile matter, moisture and fixed carbon may have very different importance depending on the end use.

Question 16

Why should petroleum coke be checked against current regulatory requirements before purchase?

Accepted Answer

Petroleum coke may be subject to application-specific environmental and regulatory controls, and permitted use can depend on the location and intended application. Indian authorities have imposed restrictions on certain uses of pet coke, including historical restrictions in the NCR and controls concerning imported pet coke, with specified exceptions and regulatory conditions. Buyers should therefore verify the current legal position applicable to their specific location and use before concluding procurement.

Question 17

What are agro-waste briquettes and where can they be used?

Accepted Answer

Agro-waste briquettes are densified solid fuels manufactured from suitable agricultural and herbaceous residues. Depending on their composition and specification, they can be considered for boilers, furnaces, kilns and other thermal applications. Their suitability depends on calorific value, moisture, ash, density, dimensions and the behaviour of the specific biomass feedstock.

Question 18

Are sawdust briquettes and wood briquettes interchangeable

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Although both are wood-derived solid fuels, the raw material, particle characteristics, moisture, ash, density and manufacturing process can differ. Sawdust briquettes may have relatively consistent feedstock characteristics when produced from controlled sawmill residues, while broader wood-briquette categories can involve different woody inputs. Buyers should compare actual test results rather than rely only on the product name.

Question 19

What should buyers consider when sourcing industrial biomass briquettes?

Accepted Answer

Industrial biomass briquettes should be evaluated using parameters relevant to the boiler, furnace or thermal process. These may include gross calorific value, moisture, ash, bulk density, dimensions, durability, sulphur, chlorine and feedstock composition. India's IS 18725:2024 framework for briquettes from agro and herbaceous residues includes parameters such as source, dimensions, moisture, ash, additives, calorific value and density, with reporting provisions for elements including nitrogen, sulphur and chlorine.

Question 20

How do biomass pellets differ from biomass briquettes for industrial procurement?

Accepted Answer

Both are densified biomass fuels, but their shape, dimensions, handling characteristics and feeding systems can differ considerably. Pellets are generally smaller and are often suited to automated or controlled feeding equipment, while briquettes are larger fuel pieces used in appropriate combustion systems. Equipment compatibility should therefore be established before substituting one with the other.

Question 21

Can Shaandaar EXIM source wood pellets for automated fuel systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wood pellets can be explored for compatible pellet boilers, heating systems and industrial combustion equipment. Procurement can be matched to parameters such as diameter, length, calorific value, moisture, ash, bulk density and mechanical durability. Pellet dimensions should be aligned with the fuel-feeding system rather than chosen solely on the basis of market availability.

Question 22

What should be checked when buying agro-residue pellets?

Accepted Answer

Agro-residue pellets can vary considerably according to the raw material used, soil conditions, processing method and blending composition. Buyers should therefore examine calorific value, moisture, ash, bulk density, pellet dimensions, durability, sulphur, chlorine and other relevant parameters. Indian Standard IS 18724:2024 specifically covers pellets from agro and herbaceous residues for domestic and industrial use and recognizes the importance of these specification characteristics.

Question 23

Are sawdust pellets always lower in ash than agro-residue pellets?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily in every commercial batch, but feedstock composition can create substantial differences. Agro-residue fuels can contain more ash-forming minerals than many woody biomass fuels. For that reason, buyers should compare actual laboratory test data instead of assuming a uniform ash level from the product category alone.

Question 24

Can charcoal be sourced for industrial rather than consumer applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shaandaar EXIM can explore industrial charcoal and wood charcoal requirements in addition to general charcoal procurement. Industrial buyers may specify fixed carbon, ash, volatile matter, moisture, calorific value, particle size, density, friability and fines content according to the intended process.

Question 25

What is the difference between charcoal and carbonaceous solid fuels?

Accepted Answer

Charcoal refers to a specific class of carbonized biomass-derived fuel, whereas carbonaceous solid fuels is a broader procurement description for carbon-rich solid materials used in thermal or industrial applications. Because the latter can cover different products and compositions, the buyer should define the actual material and technical requirement before an RFQ is issued.

Question 26

Can Shaandaar EXIM help buyers compare coal, coke and biomass fuel options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Comparison can be made on more than the quoted price per tonne. A meaningful evaluation may consider energy content, moisture, ash, sulphur, fuel consumption, handling, storage, transport, emissions-related requirements and equipment compatibility. In many cases, comparing estimated cost per unit of useful energy can provide a more relevant commercial picture than comparing headline prices alone.

Question 27

Can the sourcing location be selected based on freight and delivered cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Source selection can consider ex-mine or ex-plant pricing, port distance, inland transportation, vessel or container costs, customs, handling, warehousing and final delivery distance. A geographically closer supplier is not necessarily the lowest-cost option, so landed or delivered cost can be a more useful procurement benchmark.

Question 28

Can Shaandaar EXIM source solid fuels from Indian and international suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Domestic Indian sourcing and international sourcing can both be explored where commercially and legally feasible. Potential source markets can be evaluated based on grade availability, production capacity, specification, supplier capability, freight economics, import/export requirements and buyer destination rather than selecting an origin solely for geographic reasons.

Question 29

Can a buyer request a particular country or Indian state of origin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Origin preferences can be included in the RFQ. Shaandaar EXIM can explore sourcing from the requested Indian state, producing region or international market, subject to actual production availability, supplier capability, specification and commercial feasibility. A preferred origin should not be treated as a guarantee of supply until confirmed.

Question 30

How does Shaandaar EXIM verify whether a supplier can meet the requested fuel specification?

Accepted Answer

Supplier evaluation can consider the supplier's product specification, technical data, production capability, historical supply information, documentation, testing arrangements and ability to meet the requested quantity and delivery schedule. Depending on the transaction, sample testing or independent inspection can also be incorporated into the procurement process.

Question 31

Can buyers obtain a laboratory report or independent inspection before shipment?

Accepted Answer

Where the supplier and transaction structure permit it, yes. Buyers can request supplier test certificates, laboratory reports, pre-shipment inspection or independent sampling and testing according to the agreed purchase terms. The inspection scope should be defined before contracting so that the results can be assessed against the agreed specification.

Question 32

Can Shaandaar EXIM coordinate logistics for bulk solid-fuel shipments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Logistics coordination can be explored for road, rail, containerized movement, bulk vessel shipments, port handling and multimodal transportation, depending on the product and destination. Planning should account for cargo characteristics, quantity, loading method, moisture exposure, storage conditions, delivery schedule and unloading infrastructure

Question 33

How should solid fuels be stored after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Storage requirements vary significantly. Coal and coke generally require appropriate drainage, fire-risk management, segregation and handling controls, while biomass briquettes and pellets can be more sensitive to moisture and degradation. Storage arrangements should therefore be designed around the specific fuel, local conditions, quantity and applicable safety and environmental requirements rather than using a single storage method for every solid fuel.

Question 34

Can Shaandaar EXIM help arrange warehousing between procurement and final delivery?

Accepted Answer

Where commercially feasible, yes. Intermediate warehousing or stockholding can be explored when buyers need staged delivery, buffer inventory, consolidation, seasonal procurement or improved logistics flexibility. The suitability of storage depends on the fuel, local regulations, fire and moisture considerations, storage duration and available infrastructure.

Question 35

Can Shaandaar EXIM support documentation and compliance for solid-fuel procurement?

Accepted Answer

Shaandaar EXIM can facilitate coordination of relevant commercial, shipping, supplier and transaction documentation through the appropriate parties. The exact regulatory requirements depend on the product, origin, destination, end use and transaction structure. Buyers should also ensure that any environmental, customs, transport, storage and operational requirements applicable to their facility are independently satisfied.

Question 36

Are biomass briquettes and pellets covered by Indian quality standards?

Accepted Answer

Certain categories are covered by Indian standards. For example, IS 18725:2024 addresses briquettes from agro and herbaceous residues, while IS 18724:2024 covers pellets from agro and herbaceous residues for domestic and industrial use. These standards provide a useful framework for defining and testing fuel characteristics, but the buyer should determine which standard or specification is actually applicable to the product being purchased.

Question 37

Can Shaandaar EXIM help finance a large solid-fuel procurement requirement?

Accepted Answer

Financing support can be explored on a case-by-case basis for eligible transactions. Depending on the buyer, order value and transaction structure, possibilities may include trade finance, structured procurement support or coordination with relevant financial institutions or partners. Approval, security, pricing, tenor and eligibility remain subject to the financing provider and the transaction's commercial and risk profile.

Question 38

Can recurring monthly or annual fuel requirements be handled through a supply programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recurring requirements can be structured around monthly, quarterly or annual consumption, subject to supplier capacity and agreed commercial terms. This can be useful for industrial users that need predictable fuel availability rather than one-off spot purchases. The supply arrangement may incorporate quality specifications, delivery windows, quantity commitments and price mechanisms.

Question 39

Can Shaandaar EXIM arrange white-label or private-label biomass fuels?

Accepted Answer

For suitable products, white-label or private-label procurement may be explored, particularly where the producer supports customized packaging and branding. The arrangement would normally depend on minimum order quantity, packaging format, branding requirements, supplier authorization and applicable product and labelling rules. Shaandaar EXIM's role remains procurement facilitation; the underlying manufacturer or producer remains responsible for manufacturing the product.

Question 40

Can Indian distributors and international buyers use Shaandaar EXIM for solid-fuel sourcing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shaandaar EXIM can explore requirements from Indian industrial buyers, distributors, traders, manufacturers, project companies and international buyers. Domestic and export-oriented requirements can be evaluated separately because documentation, logistics, customs, regulatory conditions and commercial structures may differ between markets.

Question 41

What information should a buyer include when submitting a Solid Fuel RFQ to Shaandaar EXIM?

Accepted Answer

A well-prepared RFQ should ideally include the exact fuel type, technical specification, application, required quantity, delivery location, preferred origin, packaging requirement, delivery schedule and expected procurement frequency. A previous laboratory report, supplier specification, equipment fuel specification or tender document can also be useful where available. The better defined the requirement, the more accurately potential suppliers can be screened.

Question 42

Can Shaandaar EXIM source a substitute fuel if the requested product is unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Potential alternatives can be explored, but substitution should never be based only on product appearance or nominal calorific value. The alternative should be assessed for combustion compatibility, ash behaviour, emissions characteristics, fuel feeding, storage, process performance and applicable regulatory requirements. Final substitution should be approved by the buyer's technical team.

Question 43

Can Shaandaar EXIM help procure solid fuels for EPC and project-based requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EPC companies, infrastructure developers and project contractors can submit fuel requirements linked to new plants, expansion projects, commissioning requirements or long-term operating contracts. Procurement can be aligned with project specifications, planned commissioning dates, trial quantities, commercial schedules and eventual recurring consumption.

Question 44

Does Shaandaar EXIM guarantee fuel quality, supply availability or market pricing?

Accepted Answer

No. Shaandaar EXIM facilitates sourcing and procurement and does not manufacture the products. Quality, quantity, availability, origin, specifications, pricing and delivery commitments depend on the confirmed supplier, agreed commercial terms, market conditions, logistics and applicable regulations. Where required, contractual specifications, inspection and testing provisions should be established before purchase.

Question 45

How can a business get a quotation for coal, coke, charcoal or biomass fuel from Shaandaar EXIM?

Accepted Answer

The buyer can submit an RFQ containing the required fuel, technical specification, quantity, destination, application, preferred origin, packaging and delivery schedule. Shaandaar EXIM can then evaluate the requirement and explore potentially suitable sourcing channels. The resulting commercial offer remains subject to supplier confirmation, technical compliance, logistics and final transaction terms.

Question 46

Why should an industrial buyer use a procurement intermediary instead of approaching fuel producers individually?

Accepted Answer

A specialized sourcing partner can help consolidate supplier discovery, specification matching and commercial coordination into a single procurement exercise. For buyers dealing with multiple grades, international sourcing, recurring requirements or complex logistics, this can reduce the need to independently identify and compare numerous potential supply channels. Shaandaar EXIM's role is to facilitate this process while leaving final supplier approval and commercial contracting with the relevant parties.

Question 47

Can Shaandaar EXIM source both conventional fossil fuels and renewable biomass fuels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The solid-fuel portfolio can cover coal and coke products alongside biomass briquettes, biomass pellets and charcoal-based fuels. This allows buyers to explore different procurement options according to their technical requirements, fuel infrastructure, cost considerations and applicable environmental or regulatory conditions. Any change in fuel type should be technically validated before implementation.

Question 48

What makes Shaandaar EXIM different from a solid-fuel manufacturer or direct producer?

Accepted Answer

Shaandaar EXIM's value proposition is centered on source procurement, supplier discovery, specification matching and trade facilitation, rather than ownership of a particular mine, coke oven, biomass plant or charcoal-production facility. This enables the sourcing exercise to remain comparatively flexible across products and origins, while supplier-specific manufacturing responsibilities, certifications and quality obligations remain with the actual producer or manufacturer.

SOLID FUELS

Our Supply Portfolio

THERMAL COAL

STEAM COAL

COKING COAL

ANTHRACITE

LIGNITE

METALLURGICAL COKE

FOUNDRY COKE

INDUSTRIAL COKE

PETROLEUM COKE

AGRO-WASTE BRIQUETTES

SAWDUST BRIQUETTES

WOOD BRIQUETTES

INDUSTRIAL GRADE BIOMASS BRIQUETTES

WOOD PELLETS

AGRO-RESIDUE PELLETS

SAWDUST PELLETS

INDUSTRIAL BIOMASS PELLETS

CHARCOAL

WOOD CHARCOAL

INDUSTRIAL CHARCOAL

CARBONACEOUS SOLID FUELS

ON DEMAND SUPPLY

Frequently asked questions