Coal news and updates

Chennai’s Jan steam coal imports spurt on low base

Steam coal imports through the port of Chennai spurted by 140% to 173 tons in January 2016 but on a very low base of 72 tons in December 2015, as per provisional information available with ICMW.

Steam coal imports through the port of Chennai were at a mere 24 tons in November. There were nil imports through the port from August-October, 2015, while in the preceding month of July, the same were at 208 tons.

Overall, steam coal imports through the port have been erratic for more than a year and the volumes scant. Around 100 tons had been imported in June this year as well as in May, as per provisional information available with ICMW.

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

In January 2016, imports comprised 72 tons from Australia in a price of Rs 15,601 ($228) and 101 tons from Colombia at Rs 19,205/ton.

In December 2015, imports comprised three consignments from Australia in a price of Rs 16,438 ($230).

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 details of steam coal imports via Chennai Port in January 2016: