Coal news and updates

Nov steam coal imports via Chennai at mere 24 tons

Steam coal imports through the port of Chennai were at a mere 24 tons in November 2015 against nil volumes through Chennai Port from August – October, 2015, while in the preceding month of July, the same were at 208 tons, as per provisional information available with ICMW.

Overall, steam coal imports through the port have been erratic for more than a year and the volumes scanty. 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 November 2015, imports comprised one single consignment from Australia at a unit price of Rs 15,311 ($230).

In July 2015, however, imports had included 132 tons from Colombia at a range of Rs 21,600 – Rs 21,650 per ton ($237) and 77 tons from the Netherland at a unit price of Rs 21,751 ($339).

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 November 2015: