SAIL Records Highest-Ever August Production and Sales, Volumes Rise 13%

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has reported a strong upward trend in sales performance for August 2026 as well as the April-August 2026 period. August also marked a production milestone, with the company achieving its best-ever August output of hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel.

In August, crude steel production rose 8% year-on-year to 1.68 MT, from 1.55 MT a year earlier. Hot metal production increased 9% to 1.78 MT, compared with 1.63 MT, while saleable steel output grew 1% to 1.69 MT, against 1.66 MT in August 2025.

SAIL’s sales performance was stronger, with total sales climbing 13% YoY to 1.871 MT, from 1.654 MT in the corresponding period last year. Cash collections increased 23%, while the company recorded its highest-ever August sales across value-added products such as cold rolled, galvanised and alloy steels. A reduction in inventory also pointed to improved supply-chain coordination and faster market servicing.

The company’s railway business remained a key demand driver. Supplies to Indian Railways rose 5% YoY to 1.23 lakh tonnes, from 1.18 lakh tonnes. Within this, long-rail supplies reached a record 1.12 lakh tonnes, registering 11% growth.

SAIL also strengthened its financial position by reducing borrowings by ₹870 crore from the March 31, 2026 level, adding a financial-discipline angle to the operational gains.

The momentum extended into the first five months of FY2026-27, with cumulative sales reaching 7.71 MT, up 5.6% over the year-ago period. Finished and processed steel continued to see healthy movement, supported by an improved product mix, stronger regional outreach and firm domestic demand, despite global volatility.

Commenting on the performance, Dr. A.K. Panda, Chairman and Managing Director, SAIL, said the results reflected stronger alignment between operational capability, commercial delivery and financial prudence. He said record production, sales momentum and disciplined financial management underscored strengthening fundamentals, while progressing expansion projects and a positive demand outlook could support the company’s next phase of growth.