In FY 2024-25, India's coal imports decreased by 7.9% to 243.62 million tonnes, resulting in foreign exchange savings of approximately ₹60,681.67 crore. The Non-Regulated Sector saw a more substantial import decline of 8.95% year-on-year. Despite a 3.04% increase in coal-based power generation, imports for blending by thermal power plants fell sharply by 41.4%. This reduction is attributed to government initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal, which aim to boost domestic production and reduce import reliance. Domestic coal output grew by 5% during the same period. While coal remains crucial for India's growing economy, the government is focused on enhancing energy security and self-reliance in coal production to support long-term economic growth.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for coal production and supply.
FY 202425: Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the period for which coal import data is being reported.
FY 202324: Fiscal Year 2023-2024, used as a comparison period for coal import data.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the source of the posted information.
243.62 million tonnes MT: The total amount of coal imported during FY 202425.
264.53 MT: The total amount of coal imported during FY 202324.
7.93 billion: Approximate foreign exchange savings (USD) due to the reduction in coal imports.
60681.67 crore: Approximate foreign exchange savings (INR) due to the reduction in coal imports.
NonRegulated Sector: The sector excluding the power sector, which experienced a significant decline in coal imports.
Government of India: The governing body of India, which 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.
India: The country whose coal import and production is the subject of the document.
Viksit Bharat: A goal for India's development, aiming for a self-reliant and sustainable energy framework.
Ministry of Coal
Coal Imports During FY 2024-25 Drops by 7.9 %
Compared to FY 2023-24
Posted On: 27 MAY 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi
Coal imports in the country during FY 2024-25 fell by 7.9 %, totalling 243.62 million tonnes (MT), compared
to 264.53 MT in the previous fiscal year. This reduction resulted in foreign exchange savings of
approximately $7.93 billion (₹60681.67 crore). Notably, the Non-Regulated Sector, excluding the power
sector, experienced a more significant decline, with imports dropping by 8.95% year-on-year. Although coal-
based power generation grew by 3.04% from FY 2024-25 compared to the previous fiscal year, imports for
blending by thermal power plants sharply decreased by 41.4%. 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 % growth in coal output during FY 2024-25 compared to 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: 2131632)