India’s Coal Imports Drop Four Point Two Per Cent

26 Mar 2026 CW Team

India’s coal imports dropped four point two per cent to 213.10 million tonnes (mn t) in the April–January period of the current financial year as the government prioritised boosting domestic output. The decline took place against a backdrop of firmer seaborne coal prices caused by supply constraints and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to keep imports subdued in the near term. The trend reflects an ongoing push for self?reliance in coal production supported by steady growth in domestic supply.

Data compiled by mjunction services showed non?coking coal imports stood at 127.80 mn t during the period, down from 141.18 mn t a year earlier, while coking coal imports rose to 50.39 mn t from 45.83 mn t, pointing to sustained demand from the steel sector. On a monthly basis, January imports fell 22.1 per cent to 16.64 mn t from 21.37 mn t in the corresponding month last year. The monthly disaggregation showed non?coking imports at nine point four five mn t versus 12.33 mn t and coking imports at four point two three mn t compared with five point two three mn t previously.

Officials expect the government measures to reduce reliance on foreign supplies while meeting rising energy needs, and industry projections indicate domestic coal output will continue to increase. Production is projected to grow at an annual rate of six to seven per cent over the coming years, with output anticipated to reach around one point five billion tonnes (bn t) by 2029–30. The projection underlines plans to strengthen energy security and moderate import dependence.

Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy indicated that coal demand is likely to continue rising and could peak around 2040, reinforcing the policy emphasis on ramping up local production. The government has been stepping up measures to expand capacity and ensure long?term supply adequacy for industry and power generation.

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