Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 1: India's coal imports declined by 5.83 per cent year-on-year to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in August 2026, compared to 111.05 MT in the corresponding month last year, amid efforts to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on overseas supplies, the Ministry of Coal said on Sunday.
The country's coal imports fell by 6.48 MT during the month, reflecting improved domestic availability and measures taken to strengthen the coal supply chain.
Imports by power plants declined by 6.39 per cent to 21.32 MT in August 2026, against 22.77 MT in the same month last year. The reduction was in line with efforts to improve domestic coal availability and reduce dependence on imported coal for blending at domestic coal-based power plants.
Imports specifically meant for blending at domestic coal-based power plants recorded a sharper decline of 35.23 per cent, falling to 3 MT from 4.64 MT in August 2025.
However, imports by imported coal-based (ICB) power plants registered a marginal increase of 0.98 per cent to 18.31 MT during the month, compared to 18.13 MT in the year-ago period. These power plants are primarily designed to operate using imported coal.
The share of imported coal in India's total coal consumption also declined to 19.30 per cent in August 2026 from 21.20 per cent in the corresponding month last year, registering a reduction of 1.90 percentage points.
Meanwhile, coking coal imports, which primarily meet the raw material requirements of the steel industry, fell by 4.18 per cent to 27.30 MT during August, compared to 28.49 MT in the same month last year.
The Ministry of Coal noted that domestic availability of coking coal remains constrained due to the quality and characteristics of indigenous reserves. Consequently, imports continue to be necessary to meet the specific requirements of the steel sector.
The ministry said it is continuing efforts to increase domestic coal production and offtake, strengthen First Mile Connectivity (FMC), improve transportation and evacuation infrastructure, and regularly monitor coal stocks at thermal power plants.
It is also coordinating with the Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries to ensure timely and adequate coal supplies to power utilities.
The ministry said these initiatives are aimed at improving the reliability of domestic coal supplies, reducing avoidable dependence on imports and ensuring uninterrupted electricity generation across the country.