New Delhi: India's coal imports declined by 5.83 per cent to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in figures reported for August 2026, compared to 111.05 MT in the corresponding period last year, with imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants falling sharply by 35.23 per cent, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Coal on Sunday.
The ministry said the overall reduction of 6.48 MT reflected efforts to increase domestic coal production, improve availability and strengthen supply chains to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
"The decline in overall coal imports, particularly imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants, underscores the importance of strengthening domestic production, transportation, and supply-chain infrastructure," the ministry said.
According to the release, coal imports by the power sector declined by 6.39 per cent to 21.32 MT from 22.77 MT a year earlier.
Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants recorded a sharper decline of 35.23 per cent, falling to 3 MT from 4.64 MT.
The ministry said, "This reduction indicates lower import requirements for blending and is consistent with efforts to improve the availability of domestic coal for power generation."
However, imports by coal-fired power plants increased marginally by 0.98 per cent to 18.31 MT from 18.13 MT. These plants are designed to operate primarily on imported coal.
The share of imported coal in India's total coal consumption declined from 21.20 per cent to 19.30 per cent, a reduction of 1.90 percentage points.
Coking coal imports, primarily used by the steel industry, fell by 4.18 per cent to 27.30 MT from 28.49 MT.
The ministry noted that the domestic availability of coking coal is constrained by the quality and characteristics of indigenous reserves, necessitating imports to meet the steel sector's requirements.
The ministry said it continues to focus on increasing domestic production, improving coal transportation infrastructure and monitoring stocks at thermal power plants.
It is also coordinating with the Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited, and its subsidiaries to ensure timely coal supplies to power utilities, reduce dependence on avoidable imports, and support uninterrupted power generation.
