Indian steel pipe makers rely on imports for high-grade steel

India lacks sufficient production of high-grade steel needed for oil and gas pipelines, forcing pipe makers like Jindal SAW to import 35-40% of their specialised steel from South Korea and China, said managing director Sminu Jindal in an interview to Livemint. Domestic mills have started developing grades such as X100, but volumes remain too low to be commercially competitive, she added.

The import reliance comes as India became a net importer of finished steel in Q1FY27, with imports rising 49.2% year-on-year to 2.064 million tonnes, according to Joint Plant Committee data. Jindal SAW's international business faces disruptions from the West Asia conflict, but the company expects the crisis to create new opportunities as countries invest in safer overland energy infrastructure, Livemint reports.

Jindal SAW is expanding in West Asia with a seamless pipe plant in Abu Dhabi and a joint venture in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian pipe makers including Welspun Corp, Man Industries and Ratnamani Metals are also ramping up regional presence. Welspun Corp's shares gained 133% year-to-date, while Jindal SAW rose 59%, reflecting investor optimism about structural demand growth for energy and water pipelines.