New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- The import curbs on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke, which accounts for 35-40% of steel production costs, raise steel prices in India, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in a report on Friday.

The report highlighted that India's dependence on imported low-ash coke is structural, as most of domestic coal has 14-15% ash and cannot fully support efficient blast furnace steelmaking.

"While the government protects domestic steelmakers through high safeguard and anti-dumping duties and Quality Control Orders on finished steel imports, it simultaneously restricts access to Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke), a non-substitutable input that accounts for 35-40% of steel production costs," the report said.

By capping...