New Delhi
India saw a notable reduction in coal imports during the first half of 2024, with imports from non-regulated sectors and domestic coal-based thermal power plants declining by 9.83%. Coal imports for blending also decreased by 8.6%, from 10.71 million tonnes (MT) in the same period last year to 9.79 MT, the Ministry of Coal said on Wednesday.
This reduction indicates a growing reliance on domestic coal for power generation and other sectors. However, imports of coking coal, which is essential for steel production, and coal for imported power plants (which cannot be replaced by domestic supplies) continued to rise.
Overall, coal imports during April-September 2024 increased marginally by 1.36%, reaching 129.52 million tonnes, compared to 127.78 MT last year. In terms of value, the cost of imports dropped to Rs 1,38,763 crore, down from Rs 1,52,392 crore in 2023. This decline in import value led to savings of Rs 13,629 crore, reflecting more cost-efficient procurement practices.
The Ministry of Coal emphasized its commitment to reducing the nation’s dependence on imported coal by ramping up domestic production. Coal production in India rose by 7.4% in October 2024, reaching 84.45 MT, compared to 78.57 MT in October 2023.
In the April-October period, India’s total coal production rose by 6.1% to 537.45 MT, up from 506.56 MT the previous year. The government is focused on ensuring energy security and economic efficiency, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to reduce import dependence while boosting domestic production.
