CIL to import fuel for utilities use as power shortages loom

31 May 2022 CW Team

State-run Coal India Limited (CIL), the world's largest coal miner, will import the fuel for use by utilities as shortages raise concerns about renewed power outages.

It would be the first time since 2015 that Coal India has imported the fuel, emphasising efforts by state and federal officials to stock up to avoid a repetition of April, when India encountered its worst power cuts in more than six years.

CIL would import coal for blending on a government-to-government (G2G) basis and supply it to thermal power plants of state generators and independent power producers (IPPs), the Power Ministry said in the letter dated May 28.

The letter was sent to all utilities, and top Central and state energy officials, including the CIL's coal secretary and the chairman.

India is likely to face a wider coal shortage during the third quarter (Q3) of 2022 due to anticipations of higher electricity demand, stoking fears of widespread power outages.

The power ministry said in the letter the decision was taken after almost all states indicated that multiple coal import tenders by states would lead to a mess and sought centralised procurement through CIL.

India stepped up pressure on utilities to raise imports to blend with local coal in recent days, warning of cuts to the supply of domestically mined coal if power plants did not create coal inventories via imports.

But the power ministry on Saturday requested states to suspend tenders that are under process.

The ministry said that the tenders under process by state generators and IPPs for importing coal for blending may be kept in suspension to await the cost discovery by Coal India via the G2G route to procure coal at the least possible rates.

Coal inventories at power plants have dropped by nearly 13% since April to the lowest pre-summer levels in years.

Image Source

Also read: Coal production hikes to 34 mt till the first half of May

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..