India Coal Imports Slide 13% in April as Domestic Output Rises

India’s coal imports fell about 13% year-on-year in April, dropping 3.14 million tonnes to 21.13 MT, the Union Ministry of Coal reported Thursday. The share of imported coal in total consumption narrowed to 19.7% from 21.7% a year earlier.

The decline was led by power sector plants. Coal imports by power utilities dropped 24.9% to 3.51 MT. Plants designed to run exclusively on imported coal saw the steepest cut – down 27.45% to 2.88 MT.

The ministry attributed the reduction to a sustained push on domestic output. “The consistent decline across ICB, DCB and overall import categories reflects the Ministry of Coal’s sustained focus on ramping up domestic coal production and offtake, strengthening First Mile Connectivity, close monitoring of thermal power plant stock positions, and coordinated efforts with Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries to ensure assured supply to power utilities,” the statement said.

The trend supports Coal India, which has been prioritising volume growth over margins by absorbing cost increases to keep industrial consumers shielded from price spikes. With domestic coal availability rising, the pressure on power generators to source expensive imported fuel is easing.