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Afghan coal not coming through? What to buy instead
For years a lot of factories in Punjab and KP ran on Afghan coal. Since the border closed to trade it has been hard to get, and buyers are asking us what will do the same job.
Where things stand
Torkham has been closed to trade since 12 October 2025, and Chaman, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda remain closed to commercial traffic, Khaama Press reported on 19 October 2026. Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan fell 74% in the last financial year to about 358 million dollars, and coal was one of the main items lost.
Many cement plants in the north replaced it with coal shipped from South Africa, Indonesia and Mozambique. Smaller buyers, kilns and boiler owners mostly do not have that option.
The closest local match
Afghan coal was popular because it gave high heat with fairly low ash. Of the Balochistan coals, Chamalang and Sor Range come closest.
Chamalang lump runs at about Rs 39,500 a tonne ex-Quetta, typically around 6,300 kcal/kg with about 11% ash. Sor Range is a little hotter and cleaner, around 6,500 kcal/kg, 9% ash and 3% sulphur, at about Rs 38,500 a tonne.
If your process was set up for Afghan coal, these two are where to start.
What changes when you switch
Sulphur is the main difference. Most Balochistan coal carries more sulphur than the Afghan coal people were used to, often 3 to 6%. In a brick kiln this rarely matters. In a boiler it means more attention to corrosion and to any emission limits you work under.
Size matters too. Ask for the same size range you were burning before. Lump and run-of-mine behave differently in a grate.
Run a trial first
Do not switch a whole month's supply at once. Take one truck, burn it, and compare fuel used per tonne of output against your Afghan coal figures. Ask for the lab analysis with the truck so you know what you are comparing.
If the numbers work, set up a regular supply. If they nearly work, a blend of Chamalang with some Duki often lands where you need it at a lower price.
Lead times
Coal from our Quetta depot usually reaches Punjab in two to three days by truck once loaded. In a busy season, such as now with kilns and cement plants both buying, order a few days ahead of when you need it.
Prices are indicative, per tonne, excluding sales tax, and change week to week. See today's sheet or ask us for a confirmed price.
