+
India Seeks To Cut Power Sector Coal Imports By 30 Per Cent
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India Seeks To Cut Power Sector Coal Imports By 30 Per Cent

India is seeking to cut power sector coal imports by 30 per cent this year, according to government sources, as it moves to bolster domestic supply and reduce external dependence. The move is intended to ease pressure on the trade deficit and improve energy security while meeting seasonal demand peaks. Officials have signalled a coordinated approach across ministries and state utilities to meet the target.

Measures under consideration include accelerating output from domestic coal producers, unlocking stranded captive coal blocks and improving rail freight capacity to deliver fuel to plants. Authorities are also assessing logistics bottlenecks at ports and switching discretionary demand where possible towards lower carbon alternatives and gas. The strategy will be phased to avoid disruption to grid stability and to preserve reserves for peak periods.

Market participants expect importers and overseas suppliers to adjust shipments as New Delhi seeks to reduce reliance on external coal, which could moderate spot market volatility. Analysts say lower imports may relieve some pressure on freight and port handling and could ease upward pressure on domestic coal prices, though much will depend on demand fluctuations and monsoon patterns. The government will monitor stock levels and may use price mechanisms and directed procurement to smooth supply.

Officials emphasise that the import reduction target is contingent on sustained domestic output increases and infrastructure upgrades, and that contingency plans are being readied to prevent shortfalls. The strategy is presented as part of a broader effort to balance energy security, affordability and climate commitments while supporting investment in renewables and storage. Implementation will be tracked through interagency coordination and regular reporting to ensure targets are met without compromising grid reliability.

India is seeking to cut power sector coal imports by 30 per cent this year, according to government sources, as it moves to bolster domestic supply and reduce external dependence. The move is intended to ease pressure on the trade deficit and improve energy security while meeting seasonal demand peaks. Officials have signalled a coordinated approach across ministries and state utilities to meet the target. Measures under consideration include accelerating output from domestic coal producers, unlocking stranded captive coal blocks and improving rail freight capacity to deliver fuel to plants. Authorities are also assessing logistics bottlenecks at ports and switching discretionary demand where possible towards lower carbon alternatives and gas. The strategy will be phased to avoid disruption to grid stability and to preserve reserves for peak periods. Market participants expect importers and overseas suppliers to adjust shipments as New Delhi seeks to reduce reliance on external coal, which could moderate spot market volatility. Analysts say lower imports may relieve some pressure on freight and port handling and could ease upward pressure on domestic coal prices, though much will depend on demand fluctuations and monsoon patterns. The government will monitor stock levels and may use price mechanisms and directed procurement to smooth supply. Officials emphasise that the import reduction target is contingent on sustained domestic output increases and infrastructure upgrades, and that contingency plans are being readied to prevent shortfalls. The strategy is presented as part of a broader effort to balance energy security, affordability and climate commitments while supporting investment in renewables and storage. Implementation will be tracked through interagency coordination and regular reporting to ensure targets are met without compromising grid reliability.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

BMW Ventures Secures Rs 249.83 Million (mn) Steel Orders

BMW Ventures Limited said it has secured two purchase orders totalling Rs 249.83 million (mn) from Lata Projects Limited for the supply of TMT steel FE-550D grade for three units of 800 megawatt (MW) capacity at the USCTPP Adani project. The orders were disclosed to the stock exchanges under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations and carry a contract value inclusive of all taxes.\n\nThe company stated that the orders will be executed within eight weeks from the date of the purchase orders and that the contract provides for 100 per cent advance payment with specified guarantees. The supp..

Next Story
Real Estate

Housing Sales Dip in Top Eight Cities in Q2, Pune and Bengaluru Hit Hard

Housing sales across the top eight cities fell six point one per cent year-on-year to 91,729 units in the April-June quarter from 97,674 a year earlier, PropTiger’s Real Insight Residential report showed. The moderation reflected seasonal pre-monsoon effects and heightened buyer caution amid the US-Iran conflict. New launches rose six per cent to 89,161 units. The impact was concentrated in technology-driven markets, with Pune and Bengaluru among the hardest hit. Pune recorded the steepest annual decline at 20.8 per cent, with sales falling to 12,642 units, while Ahmedabad declined 20.2 per ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India And ADB Sign US$230 Million Loan To Modernise Chennai Water

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a US$230 million loan to modernise and expand water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Chennai. Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), signed on behalf of the Government of India and Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed for the lender. The engagement was guided by Baldeo Purushartha, Joint Secretary (ADB and Japan), DEA. The Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project aims to improve access to safe and reliable water and sanitation citywide w..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code