India’s coal imports declined by 8.4 percent to 183.42 million tonnes (MT) during the April-December period of the current financial year, compared to 200.19 MT in the same period last year. This decline led to an estimated foreign exchange saving of around ₹42,315 crore (USD 5.43 billion), according to a statement from the coal ministry.
The non-regulated sector, which excludes the power sector, saw a more substantial reduction, with imports falling by 12.01 percent year-on-year.
Despite a 3.53 percent rise in coal-based power generation during this period, imports meant for blending in thermal power plants dropped significantly by 29.8 percent.
