The Centre is yet to take a decision on fixing a minimum import price (MIP) for steel as it is examining the arguments of both steel producers, who want the restriction, and downstream sectors that use steel which want low-cost imports to continue, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia has said.
"Lots of discussions on steel have been taking place and the arguments of both producers and users are being examined," Teaotia said addressing a press conference on Monday.
The Secretary pointed out that India's peak import of steel this year has been 15 per cent of total domestic steel consumption against 9 per cent in previous years.
"Despite the increase in steel imports, 85 per cent of demand is still being met domestically," she said.
The Centre has imposed a 20 per cent safeguard duty on steel imports till March 2016.
The Steel Ministry has reportedly written to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) pointing out that it was not enough to protect the industry against cheap imports and a MIP had to be put in place.