“What's the rate of 304 today?” is the first question most buyers ask — and the honest answer is “it depends on the nickel price today.” Stainless steel 304 is sold per kilogram and the rate moves daily, so here's what 304 is trading at, what drives it, and how to lock a firm price for your job.
What 304 costs today (indicative)
As a mid-2026 guide, common 304 material trades roughly in these bands in India, before GST. Treat them as a ballpark — the live figure depends on the day's nickel level, the form and the quantity:
- 304 coil / sheet (2B) — approx ₹200–235/kg
- 304 polished (No.4 / mirror) — add a processing premium over 2B
- 304 welded pipe & tube — approx ₹215–230/kg
- 304L (low-carbon, for welded work) — a small premium over 304
See our live indicative ₹/kg stock on the Shop page, and use the weight calculator on the Technical page to turn a rate into a job cost (rate × the weight of your cut).
Why the 304 rate moves daily
304 is an austenitic grade with 8–10.5% nickel, and nickel is the costly ingredient. Its price trades globally on the LME (London Metal Exchange), so when nickel moves, the ₹/kg rate moves with it — sometimes day to day. That's why a responsible stockist quotes an indicative rate and confirms a firm price at the moment you order.
GST is on top of the ₹/kg
Stainless steel attracts 18% GST. A proper quote shows the material rate (₹/kg) and the GST separately on a GST invoice, which keeps the pricing transparent and gives you your input credit.
What changes your specific 304 price
- Form — coil, sheet, plate, pipe or bar each price slightly differently per kg.
- Finish — No.4 brushed, No.8 mirror and PVD add processing cost over 2B mill.
- Thickness & size — you pay rate × weight, so a thicker or larger cut weighs (and costs) more.
- Quantity — bulk usually earns a better rate; cut-to-size has no minimum here.
- Documentation — an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate should come standard, not as an extra.
How to lock a firm 304 price
Ask for the rate per kg and the GST separately, confirm the grade in writing (304 or 304L), insist on a mill test certificate traceable to the heat number, and make sure the weighing is open. Send us your grade, form, finish, dimensions and quantity and you'll get availability, a firm ₹/kg price and a lead time — usually within a business day.
Quick answers
What is the price of 304 stainless steel per kg in India today?
As a mid-2026 guide, 304 coil and 2B sheet trade around ₹200–235/kg before GST, with polished finishes costing more. The rate moves daily with the LME nickel price, so always take a firm quote for your exact grade, form and quantity.
Is the 304 rate the same for sheet, coil and pipe?
No — it varies a little by form because of processing. Coil and 2B sheet are the base; polished finishes, pipe, tube and bar carry their own per-kg levels. Tell us the form and we'll quote the exact rate.
Does the quoted 304 price include GST?
Usually no — the ₹/kg is the material rate and 18% GST is added on top, shown separately on the invoice. Ask for both figures so the pricing is clear.