The Dolomite prices in India decreased by 2.04 percent in January 2026 as compared to December, on account of stable domestic supply and lower logistics costs while prudent downstream buying and strong infrastructure-linked “demand” weighed on prices.
The Dolomite prices in India decreased by 2.04 percent in January 2026 as compared to December, on account of stable domestic supply and lower logistics costs while prudent downstream buying and strong infrastructure-linked “demand” weighed on prices.
On the supply front, domestic production of ore held steady as continued policy emphasis on mineral development and mobilizing revenue through the route of enhanced mining and auction has lent support in the mineral rich states. These steps ensured a steady supply of dolomite in the domestic market. Simultaneously, imports from China were delayed because of heavy berth congestion at the ports, impeding inbound shipments. Prices were less affected by this given that transport costs softened strongly during the month. Intra-Asia Container Index dropped approximately 15% in January to $595.70 per 40-foot container, bringing down shipping costs and relieving pressure on landed costs for importers. The good balance between local production and shipping rates ensured an adequate supply and reasonable prices for dolomite.
Demand conditions stayed firm but were more tempered. India's building industry also continued to gain from policy-driven momentum and infrastructure-led growth projections. The Union Budget focus on domestic manufacturing of construction equipment through the ?200-crore Construction Equipment Incentive scheme has led to improved sentiment across the project ecosystem, helping in better execution and supply chains. Public investment in transport and urban development and in logistics through national programmers continued to support demand for building materials, including mineral inputs.
But user industries took a cautious buying stance for dolomite. In the case of the cement sector, demand improved gradually supported by infrastructure expenditure and expectations of more robust activity in the housing and public projects areas, the profitability was impacted by near term pricing pressure and increasing costs. Feeder services to support the flurry of buying activity, but margins and competitive pricing kept purchasing tempered for dolomite and consumption growth moderate for the month.
Elsewhere, in other downstream segments, ferro-alloy producers upheld their baseline demand for dolomite but postponed spot buying on expectation of lower input prices. The fertilizer sector was also typical post rabi season weak, further dampening incremental demand for dolomite.
In general, the downward turn in prices for January was a reflection of the market being well supplied and gradually cautious but firm demand. A combination of soft freight rates, stable domestic mines production and postponed purchasing after the recent rally, were stronger than the underlying infrastructure supply-demand fundamentals, which caused a mild drop in dolomite prices, although consumption was more or less stable.
