India’s Coal Imports Drop 13% in April as Domestic Supply Improves

New Delhi, Jul 3 (KNN) India's coal imports declined by 12.95 per cent in April 2026 to 21.13 million tonnes (MT), down from 24.27 MT in the corresponding month last year, according to the Ministry of Coal.

The decline was led by lower imports for the power sector, which fell 24.89 per cent to 3.51 MT from 4.67 MT in April 2025. Imports by imported coal-based (ICB) power plants dropped 27.45 per cent to 2.88 MT, while imports by domestic coal-based (DCB) plants for blending declined 11.26 per cent to 0.63 MT.

Coal imports accounted for 19.68 per cent of India's total coal consumption in April 2026, compared with 21.69 per cent a year earlier.

Coking coal imports, primarily used by the steel industry, remained largely stable, rising 1.34 per cent to 6.01 MT from 5.93 MT in April 2025.

According to the ministry, the overall decline reflects lower dependence on imported thermal coal amid improved domestic coal availability for the power sector.

(KNN Bureau)