CCI Probe Links Tata, JSW, SAIL and RINL to Alleged Steel Cartel

The Competition Commission of India is investigating Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL and RINL for alleged price fixing and coordinated production cuts between 2018 and 2023.

The probe reviewed WhatsApp chats, pricing data, sales, and production patterns, including messages from groups such as “Friends of Steel” and “TMT Tycoons”.

The Commission found that the companies shared sensitive price information in advance and acted together to reduce supply and influence market prices. The four firms account for 44.4 per cent of India’s steel market. Tata Steel denied any wrongdoing and said it sets prices independently, while JSW, SAIL and RINL did not respond.

Senior officials are reviewing the findings and may impose penalties.