Coal imports in India rose by 4.2% to 162.45 million tonnes (MT) during the April-October period of the current financial year, compared to 155.87 MT in the same period last year.
However, coal imports in October decreased by 14.4%, amounting to 21.84 MT, compared to 25.54 MT in October of the previous fiscal year, according to data compiled by mjunction services, a B2B e-commerce platform.
Of the total coal imports in October, non-coking coal accounted for 13.49 MT, down from 18.82 MT in October last year. Coking coal imports were 4.45 MT, compared to 4.31 MT in the same month of the previous financial year.
In September, non-coking coal imports were 13.24 MT, while coking coal imports stood at 3.39 MT.
"There was a slight increase in non-coking coal volumes in October as buyers made new purchases during the festive month and ahead of the winter season. Looking ahead, demand is expected to remain moderate due to anticipated growth in domestic supply in the fourth quarter," said Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO of mjunction.
Recently, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy urged the steel industry to reduce its dependence on imported coal and to make necessary technological adjustments.
The minister also stated that the target of 1,080 million tonnes of coal production for the current fiscal year is expected to be met.
Follow us
