Coal imports for India's power plants down 8.59% in April to September

Data also showed a decline for non-regulated sectors.

Coal imports for India's coal-based thermal power plants decreased by 8.59% to 9.79 million tonnes (MT) during April to September this year from 10.71 MT a year ago, reflecting increasing reliance on domestic supply.

According to the Ministry of Coal, imports for non-regulated sectors also declined by 9.83% to 63.28 MT from 70.18 MT in the same period last year.

However, the ministry said there has been a rise in the import of coking coal, essential for the steel industry, and coal for imported coal-based (ICB) power plants, which are not substitutable by domestic coal.

The overall coal imports during April-September 2024 increased by 1.36% to 129.52 MT from 127.78 MT last year. The total value of  imported coal during the period stood at INR 138,763.50 crore, lower than a year ago’s INR 152,392.23 crore.

“The Ministry of Coal remains committed to reducing dependency on imported coal where feasible, by ramping up domestic production and streamlining logistics. At the same time, imports of non-substitutable coal are strategically maintained to support critical industries like power and steel,” the government said.