India’s Coal Imports Rise 2% to 182 Million Tonnes in April-November
India’s coal imports have risen by 2% to 182.02 million tonnes (MT) during the April-November period of the current fiscal year, compared to 178.17 MT in the same period last year. This increase is attributed to sustained energy demand across various sectors.
However, November 2024 witnessed a decline in coal imports, dropping to 19.57 MT from 22.30 MT in November 2023. This reduction is largely due to ample domestic coal availability, which has lessened the need for imports among key consumers, including the sponge iron and steel industries. Additionally, power plants maintained comfortable stock levels, further diminishing import demand.
Non-coking coal imports for the April-November period slightly decreased to 117.73 MT from 118 MT in the previous year, while coking coal imports fell to 36.93 MT from 37.97 MT. The Indian government continues to encourage increased domestic coal production to reduce reliance on imports, allowing consumers the flexibility to import coal based on specific needs and commercial considerations.
Analysts anticipate that the current trend of moderated coal imports will persist in the coming months, given the robust domestic supply and stable stock positions at power plants. This scenario underscores India’s ongoing efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency in coal production and meet its energy demands through domestic resources.
