In April 2024 to February 2025, coal imports in India declined by 9.2% compared to the same period of FY 202324, totaling 220.3 million tonnes (MT). This reduction resulted in foreign exchange savings around 6.93 billion crore. Specifically, non-regulated sectors saw a more significant decrease with imports dropping by 15.3 year-on-year, while coal-based power generation increased by 2.87%. Imports for blending by thermal power plants fell sharply (38.8%). India is implementing initiatives such as Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imported coal. Domestic output during the period grew by 5.45% compared to FY 202324. Despite challenges in meeting demand for coking and high-grade thermal coal, which are in short supply domestically, coal imports remain crucial for sectors like steel. The Ministry of Coal is prioritizing domestic production strategies aligned with India's goal of enhancing energy security and self-sufficiency, contributing to the Viksit Bharat vision for sustainable economic development.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for coal production and supply.
April 2024 to February 2025: A period of time used as a reference for coal import statistics.
FY 202324: The previous fiscal year used as a comparison point for coal import statistics.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the agency responsible for releasing the information.
NonRegulated Sector: A sector of the Indian economy that consumes coal, excluding the power sector.
Government of India: The governing body of India that has implemented initiatives to enhance domestic coal production.
Commercial Coal Mining: An initiative by the Government of India to enhance domestic coal production.
Mission Coking Coal: An initiative by the Government of India to enhance domestic coal production, specifically focused on coking coal.
India: The country whose coal import and production statistics are being discussed.
Viksit Bharat: A goal of building a self-reliant, sustainable energy framework for long-term economic growth in India.
Shuhaib T: Likely the name of the individual associated with the release of the information.
Ministry of Coal
Coal Imports During April 2024 to February 2025
Drops by 9.2% Compared to Same Period of FY
2023-24
Posted On: 13 MAY 2025 6:03PM by PIB Delhi
Coal imports in the country during April 2024 to February 2025 fell by 9.2%, totalling 220.3 million tonnes
(MT), compared to 242.6 MT in the same period of previous fiscal year. This reduction resulted in foreign
exchange savings of approximately $6.93 billion (₹53137.82 crore). Notably, the Non-Regulated Sector,
excluding the power sector, experienced a more significant decline, with imports dropping by 15.3% year-on-
year. Although coal-based power generation grew by 2.87% from April 2024 to February 2025 compared to
the previous year, imports for blending by thermal power plants sharply decreased by 38.8%. This highlights
India’s ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on imported coal and enhance self-sufficiency in coal
production.
The Government of India has implemented several initiatives, including Commercial Coal Mining and
Mission Coking Coal, to enhance domestic coal production and reduce imports. These efforts have also led to
an encouraging 5.45% growth in coal output during the April 2024 to February 2025 period compared to the
same period of FY 2023-24.
India's coal sector plays a pivotal role in supporting its rapidly growing economy, with coal serving as a
primary energy source for critical industries like power, steel, cement etc. However, the country faces a
significant challenge in meeting its domestic coal demand, especially for coking coal and high-grade thermal
coal, which are in short supply within the country's reserves. As a result, coal imports have been vital to meet
the needs of key sectors, including steel.
The Ministry of Coal has been implementing strategic measures to strengthen domestic production and ensure
a secure coal supply, aligning with India's goals of reducing coal imports and enhancing energy security. By
prioritizing domestic coal output, the government aims to march ahead towards Viksit Bharat goal by building
a self-reliant, sustainable energy framework that supports long-term economic growth.
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Shuhaib T
(Release ID: 2128433)