Coal news and updates

India’s Jan coal imports from SA drop 38% m-o-m

February 11: Indian companies’ coal imports from Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) in South Africa fell sharply by 38.41% in January to 2,169,615 tons as compared to 3,522,697 tons imported during December 2014, according to data available with ICMW.

In fact, Indian companies’ coal imports from RBCT of South Africa stood lower at 1,220,363 tons during the corresponding month of 2014.

India’s total coal imports from South Africa during 2014 stood at 30.172 million tons (mt), up 45.89% from 20.68 mt imported during January-December, 2013.

With this, India’s share in the total exports of 6.03 mt of coal from RBCT rose to 35.99% in January 2015 whereas in December, it stood at 44.31% in the total exports pie of 7.95 mt.

India’s coal imports from South Africa stood at 16.13 mt in 2011, 20.99 mt in 2010 and at 17.84 mt in 2009.

Imports from South Africa stood at 20.45 mt in 2013-14, at 21.16 mt in 2012-13 and at 17.35 mt in 2011-12.

In January, a total of 22 vessels had sailed from RBCT for India as against 43 vessels in December.

Out of the 22 vessels in January, two vessels (165,000 tons) came to Dahej Port, two vessels (128,204 tons) to Vizag Port and two (245,356 tons) came to Krishnapatnam Port amongst others.

Following are the details of India's monthly coal imports from RBCT in 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in tons):