SAIL August Sales Rise 13% to 1.87 Million Tonnes as Production Hits Records

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) recorded a strong operational performance in August, with sales rising 13% year-on-year to 1.87 million tonnes. The state-owned steelmaker also achieved record August production levels across key categories, signalling stronger capacity utilisation and continued demand in the domestic market.

SAIL’s crude steel production increased 8% to 1.68 million tonnes in August, compared with 1.55 million tonnes during the same month last year. Hot metal production rose 9% to 1.78 million tonnes from 1.63 million tonnes, marking a record for the month.

Saleable steel production stood at 1.69 million tonnes, up 1% year-on-year. Total sales reached 1.871 million tonnes, compared with 1.654 million tonnes a year earlier, with retail channels contributing to the double-digit growth.

The company also reported its highest-ever August sales in several value-added steel segments, including cold rolled, galvanised and alloy steel. Supplies to Indian Railways increased 5% year-on-year to 123,000 tonnes, while long rail supplies climbed 11% to a record 112,000 tonnes.

The momentum extended into the April-August period. SAIL’s cumulative sales increased 5.6% to 7.71 million tonnes, supported by firm domestic demand, a stronger product mix and wider regional outreach.

The company’s financial position also showed improvement. Cash collections jumped 23% year-on-year in August, while borrowings declined by ₹8.7 billion compared with the level at the end of March.

SAIL’s performance comes as demand for steel remains supported by infrastructure activity, manufacturing and other domestic sectors. The company is also progressing with expansion projects, which are expected to strengthen its production capabilities over the longer term.

The August numbers therefore offer a positive indication of SAIL’s operating momentum. Higher sales, record monthly production in key categories and improving financial discipline point to a stronger start to the second half of the year for one of India’s major integrated steel producers.