Power major NTPC and Coal India (CIL) are conducting coal sampling tests jointly following the decision arrived at a meeting with the union Coal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava in April 10.

During his meeting with the chiefs of NTPC and CIL, Srivastava said that both the firms would conduct a joint sampling at loading point and price of coal would be decided accordingly.

The sampling would continue for a month and an average would be taken out by April-end.

CIL may also rope in Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) as an independent party to certify authenticity of the sampling mechanism.

According to a top official of CIL, the company is trying to ensure that all its billings are based on the quality of coal supplied to the power major. It should be mutually agreed between both the companies, the official said.

Meanwhile, the initial joint sampling done by both the firms showed that the power producer is paying less for the quality of coal being supplied by the miner.

According to a recently conducted joint-sampling, NTPC procured coal with a calorific value of 3,600-4,00 Kcal per kg from CIL. This qualifies for grading between G11 and G13 categories that costs Rs 650-550 a tonne. However, NTPC is said to be paying for G17 grade that costs Rs 360 a tonne, media reports suggest.