SAIL posts strong sales and production growth in August 2026; financial position strengthens
New Delhi, 04th September, 2026: 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 2026 also marked a milestone on the production front, with the company achieving its best ever August output of hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel. In August, 2026 the crude steel production grew by 8% to 1.68 MT over 1.55 MT in the corresponding period last year, hot metal rose by 9% to 1.78 MT over 1.63 MT, and saleable steel registered a 1% increase to 1.69 MT compared to 1.66 MT in CPLY.
In August 2026, SAIL achieved double digit year on year growth in overall sales volumes, with notable traction across Tier 1 and Tier 2 retail channels. Total sales stood at 1.871 million tonnes, registering a 13% y‑o‑y increase over the CPLY figure of 1.654 million tonnes. Cash collections also grew strongly by 23% y‑o‑y.
The Company recorded its highest ever August sales in several value added product categories like cold rolled, galvanized and alloy steels. The month additionally saw a meaningful reduction in inventory, indicating efficient supply chain coordination and faster market servicing. During August 2026, the rail supplies to Indian railways grew by 5% y-o-y to 1.23 Lakh Tonnes over 1.18 Lakh Tonnes in CPLY. In the Long Rails category, the company achieved highest ever supplies by supplying 1.12 Lakh Tonnes, with growth of 11% y-o-y. During this period, SAIL further strengthened its financial position, reducing borrowings by ₹870 crore from the 31.03.2026 level.
The momentum continued through the April - August 2026 period. SAIL’s cumulative sales reached 7.71 million tonnes scoring a growth of 5.6% over CPLY, despite global volatility. Finished and processed steel segments maintained healthy movement, supported by an improved product mix, stronger regional outreach and firm domestic demand. Cash collections for the five month period also grew, reflecting disciplined commercial practices and timely customer realisations.
Commenting on the performance, Dr. A.K. Panda, Chairman & Managing Director, SAIL, said: “SAIL’s performance in August and the April-August’26 period reflects the organization’s growing alignment between operational capability, commercial delivery and financial prudence.
The record production levels, strong sales momentum and disciplined financial management together underscore the Company’s strengthening fundamentals. With expansion projects progress and demand outlook remaining positive, SAIL is well positioned to accelerate its growth trajectory while contributing meaningfully to India’s steel consumption story.”