India’s coal imports declined by nearly 13% in April 2026, falling to 21.13 million tonnes from 24.27 million tonnes in April 2025.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Coal on Wednesday, 2 July, total coal imports fell by 3.14 million tonnes during the month, a decline of about 12.95%.
The ministry said the decline reflects progress towards import substitution and higher domestic coal availability, particularly for the power sector.
Coal imports by power plants fell 24.89%, from 4.67 million tonnes in April 2025 to 3.51 million tonnes in April 2026.
Imports by imported coal-based power plants declined 27.45%, from 3.97 million tonnes to 2.88 million tonnes.
Coal imported for blending by domestic coal-based power plants also fell 11.26%, from 0.71 million tonnes to 0.63 million tonnes.
The share of coal imports in total coal consumption declined from 21.69% in April 2025 to 19.68% in April 2026.
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However, Coking coal imports, used mainly by the steel sector, rose marginally by 1.34%, from 5.93 million tonnes in April 2025 to 6.01 million tonnes in April 2026.
The ministry said coking coal imports are driven by resource-specific requirements because domestic coking coal reserves remain limited.
According to the ministry, the decline across imported coal-based plants, domestic coal-based plants using imported coal for blending and overall import categories reflects efforts to increase domestic coal production and offtake.
The ministry also cited strengthening of First Mile Connectivity, monitoring of thermal power plant stock positions and coordination with the Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries as part of the measures to ensure coal supply to power utilities.
The ministry said it will continue to focus on domestic coal production, evacuation infrastructure and quality-based grading to sustain the reduction in import dependence in the coming months.
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