India's Coal Imports Decline By 3.1% In April-October FY25

16 Jan 2025 CW Team

India’s coal imports fell by 3.1% to 149.39 million tonnes (MT) during April-October in FY25, compared to 154.17 MT in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Coal. The decline is attributed to the government’s initiatives to enhance domestic coal production and reduce import dependence. The Non-Regulated Sector, which excludes the power sector, recorded an 8.8% year-on-year drop in coal imports during the period. Coal imports for blending by thermal power plants also decreased significantly by 19.5%, despite a 3.87% increase in coal-based power generation during the same period. However, imports for imported coal-based power plants, which rely entirely on imported coal, rose by 38.4% to 30.04 MT, up from 21.71 MT in the corresponding period of the previous year. Domestic coal production increased by 6.04% to 537.57 MT in April-October FY25, compared to 506.93 MT in the same period of FY24. The growth reflects ongoing efforts by the government to enhance domestic coal output and optimize its use across sectors. The Ministry of Coal has been implementing various measures to ensure stable coal supplies and bolster energy security, with a focus on reducing reliance on imports while addressing the country’s growing energy needs.

Infrastructure Energy

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