In the April-January period of the current fiscal year, the import of coal for blending purposes decreased by 36.69 percent to 19.36 Million Tonnes (MT), according to an official statement released on Monday. This marks a significant drop from 30.58 MT recorded during the same period in the previous financial year.
Despite a surge in power demand, the notable decline in coal import for blending reflects the nation’s strong commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in coal production and reducing overall coal imports, stated the coal ministry. Power generation in the country witnessed a growth of 6.6 percent in the April-January period compared to the corresponding period last year, the statement added.
Coal continues to be the primary source, contributing to over 70 percent of the total power generation. It plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing energy demands, driven by industrial expansion, technological advancements, and economic development. Minister of Coal and Mines, Pralhad Joshi, previously stated that the government intends to urge imported coal-based power plants to transition their technology and design to operate on domestic coal.
