The import of coal by non-regulated sectors (NRS) and domestic coal-based thermal power plants for blending dropped during the April to September period of the current fiscal year.

The Ministry of Coal said today that the NRS coal imports fell by 9.83 percent to 63.28 million tonnes, from 70.81 MT in the same period last year, while thermal power plant imports decreased by 8.59 percent to 9.79 MT, from 10.71 MT, reflecting a greater reliance on domestic coal. However, imports of coal for the steel industry and coal for imported coal-based (ICB) power plants, which cannot be replaced by domestic coal, witnessed an increase.

Overall coal imports increased marginally by 1.36 percent to 129.52 MT during the April to September period of the current financial year.

The Ministry of Coal added that it remains committed to reducing dependence on imported coal by boosting domestic production and improving logistics. The Ministry reiterated its focus on ensuring energy security and cost efficiency while advancing towards the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.