Coal news and updates

India’s Apr coal imports via SA down 6.11% m-o-m

May 12: Indian companies’ coal imports from Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) of South Africa fell 6.11% in April 2015 to 2,906,146 tons as compared to 3,095,169 tons imported in March 2015, according to data provided to ICMW, by official sources.

Imports in April this year were, however, up 9.69% compared to 2,649,303 tons imported in April 2014.

India accounted for 51.07% of the total coal exported through RBCT in April 2015. The share was nearly 50% in the month of March.

India’s coal imports during the first four months of 2015 stood at 10,826,860 tons, up 50.27% compared to only 7,205,033 tons imported during the corresponding period of 2014.

India’s total coal imports from South Africa during calendar year 2014 stood at 30.17 mt, up 45.89% from 20.68 mt imported in 2013.

In April, a total of 32 vessels had sailed from RBCT for India as against 35 vessels in March.

Of the 32 vessels in April, five with total cargo of 542,390 tons came to Gangavaram, four vessels with total cargo of 375,425 tons came to Krishnapatnam, two vessels each with cargo of 112,058 tons and 108,851 tons came at Paradip and Jafrabada/Pipavav ports.

The destinations of 10 vessels with total cargo of 1,045,466 tons were not immediately available but one vessel each came to Kandla (162,960 tons), Dahej (82,499 tons), Ennore (67,501 tons), Hazira (82,500 tons), Mormugao (82,490 tons), Navlakhi (51,000 tons), Bhavnagar (54,976 tons), Vizag (77,530 tons) and Haldia (60,500 tons) during the month of April.

In March, out of 35 vessels came, five came to Vizag (314,231 tons), four vessels to Gangavaram Port (406,615 tons), four (313,498 tons) to Dahej Port, three vessels (192,380 tons) to Kandla  two vessels (326,444 tons) to Dhamra port, two to Paradip (125,772 tons), one vessels each to Bedi (161,278 ton), Jaigarh (168,480), Krishnapatnam (156,000 tons), Mundra (154,100 tons), New Mangalore (75,243 tons), Sikka (51,418 tons) and Okha (54,998 tons). ICMW could not ascertain the location of the berthing of the balance eight vessels carrying 594,712 tons of coal.

Following are details of India's monthly coal imports from RBCT in 2015 and 2014 (in tons):