Three Industrial states to import 10.5 mt of coal to curb power cuts
COAL & MINING

Three Industrial states to import 10.5 mt of coal to curb power cuts

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the country’s three most industrialised states, plan to import 10.5 million tonnes (mt) of coal in some months to control widespread power cuts.

Utilities' coal inventories are at the lowest pre-summer levels in at least nine years, and electricity demand is increasing in at least 38 years.

According to the officials, Maharashtra plans to import 8 mt of coal for blending purposes, while Gujarat will place orders for 1 mt next week.

The Chairman of the state government-run utility said the state was targeting to import 20% of its coal requirements and had already placed orders to import 1.5 mt.

This move could lead to a further increase in global prices of coal, which are already trading at record-high due to a supply crunch following the European Commission's decision to ban coal imports from Russia after it invaded Ukraine.

Earlier, India asked the state government-run utilities to import 4% of their coal requirements for blending purposes but later suggested that imports be boosted to 10% of the quantity needed to address the rising power demand.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited plans to boost coal imports to the highest level in eight years.

Many states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, are already facing power cuts.

Coal utilities in Tamil Nadu have less than two days of rolling coal stock left on average. However, the coal power plants in Maharashtra and Gujarat have about five days of inventory left on average. The federal guidelines recommend that states should have at least 24 days of coal inventory.

The officials have also decided to invoke an emergency clause in India's electricity law to allow the idled power plants designed to run on imported coal to pass on higher costs to the distribution companies.

Image Source

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the country’s three most industrialised states, plan to import 10.5 million tonnes (mt) of coal in some months to control widespread power cuts. Utilities' coal inventories are at the lowest pre-summer levels in at least nine years, and electricity demand is increasing in at least 38 years. According to the officials, Maharashtra plans to import 8 mt of coal for blending purposes, while Gujarat will place orders for 1 mt next week. The Chairman of the state government-run utility said the state was targeting to import 20% of its coal requirements and had already placed orders to import 1.5 mt. This move could lead to a further increase in global prices of coal, which are already trading at record-high due to a supply crunch following the European Commission's decision to ban coal imports from Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Earlier, India asked the state government-run utilities to import 4% of their coal requirements for blending purposes but later suggested that imports be boosted to 10% of the quantity needed to address the rising power demand. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited plans to boost coal imports to the highest level in eight years. Many states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, are already facing power cuts. Coal utilities in Tamil Nadu have less than two days of rolling coal stock left on average. However, the coal power plants in Maharashtra and Gujarat have about five days of inventory left on average. The federal guidelines recommend that states should have at least 24 days of coal inventory. The officials have also decided to invoke an emergency clause in India's electricity law to allow the idled power plants designed to run on imported coal to pass on higher costs to the distribution companies. Image Source

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?