India’s Coal Imports Drop 13% in April as Domestic Supply Improves

India’s coal imports fell 12.95% YoY to 21.13 million tonnes (MT) in April 2026, compared with 24.27 MT a year earlier, reflecting higher domestic coal availability and lower import dependence.

Coal imports by the power sector dropped 24.89% to 3.51 MT from 4.67 MT, as improved domestic supplies reduced the need for imported coal.

Imports for imported coal-based (ICB) plants declined 27.45% to 2.88 MT from 3.97 MT, while imports for domestic coal-based (DCB) plants used for blending fell 11.26% to 0.63 MT from 0.71 MT.

Coal imports as a share of total consumption declined to 19.68% in April 2026 from 21.69% in April 2025, indicating lower reliance on imported coal.

Coking coal imports rose slightly 1.34% to 6.01 MT from 5.93 MT, mainly due to demand from the steel sector, where domestic coking coal availability remains limited.

The Coal Ministry attributed the overall decline in imports to higher domestic production, improved coal evacuation and logistics, better supply to power plants, and stronger coordination across government agencies.