Coal news and updates

Chennai Port’s steam coal imports increase 34% in FY16

Steam coal imports through the port of Chennai went up by 59.37% to 102 tons in March 2016 against 64 tons in February 2016, as per provisional information available with ICMW.

Total steam coal imports through the port in fiscal 2015-16 stood at 843 tons against 627 tons seen in the previous fiscal (2014-15), showing a 34.45% increase year-on-year.

Overall, steam coal imports through the port have been erratic for more than a year and the volumes scant.

There were no imports of the fuel from August 2014 till April 2015.

It may be noted that coal handling at Chennai Port has been suspended since October 2012 following a ban imposed by the Madras High Court on handling of dirty cargo of coal and iron ore at the port with effect from October 1, 2011. The court order came following the hearing of public interest litigation (PIL). However, old stocks are getting cleared.

The following table contains steam coal imports details through Chennai Port in 2015-16 and 2014-15

The following table contains details of steam coal imports via Chennai Port in March 2016:
 

In March 2016, the entire volume arrived from Columbia at a unit price of Rs 18,889 ($278) and 101 tons from Colombia at Rs 19,205/ton.

In February 2016, imports comprised a consignment from Australia at a unit price of Rs 15,947 ($231).