Coal news and updates

India’s April-January coal imports edge down 8.38%

India’s coal imports (all types) during the first 10 months of 2015-16 (April-January) declined 8.38% on the back of a 14.39% decline in steam coal imports following rise in domestic production.

According to a compilation by ICMW based on data received from various sources, the country’s total coal imports during the first 10 months of the current financial year stood at 181.14 million tons (mt) compared to 197.70 mt during the corresponding period of 2014-15.

The decline in coal imports (all types) was largely due to a steep decline in steam coal imports to 132.66 mt from a high of 154.95 mt last year.

The decline in steam coal imports was attributed to increased availability of domestic coal due to nearly a 10% increase in Coal India Ltd (CIL) production during the period. The higher availability of domestic coal had prompted power generation companies, particularly those in the government sector, to reduce their intake of import coal.

While there was nominal increase in imports of other types of coal namely coking coal, PCI, anthracite and met coke, imports of pet coke during the year surged sharply largely on availability of material from Saudi Arabia at a much lower price.

Meanwhile, India’s coal imports (all types) during calendar 2015 stood at 227.49 mt, up 4.30% compared to 218.12 mt imported in 2014.

Following table gives detailed break-up of coal imports by India in 10 months of 2015-16 and 2014-15 and in calendar years 2015 and 2014 (in mt):

 Source: ICMW