The CCI issued the orders on March 15 but they only became public today.

The orders are based on complaints filed by the Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company, West Bengal Power Development Corporation and Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association.

They are directed at Coal India and its seven subsidiaries, accusing them of partaking in anti-competitive practices by entering into one-sided fuel supply arrangements and limiting supply by selling coal through the lucrative e-auction route.

“[Coal India] operates independently of market forces and enjoys undisputed dominance in the relevant markets of supply of non-coking coal to thermal power producers and sponge iron manufacturers in India,” the CCI order said.

The commission found that the company and its subsidiaries had imposed discriminatory terms and conditions in FSAs and restricted fuel supply through its memoranda of understanding.

However, the fair trade regulator said it had not found the miner and its subsidiaries had restricted the supply by means of diverting the coal to sale through e-auction, as previously alleged.