Coal imports decline 13% in April

India's coal imports declined by 13% (3.14 million tonnes) in April, reducing overall dependence on imported coal from 21.7% to 19.7% of total consumption. This decline was particularly significant in the power sector and plants designed to run on imported coal. The Union Ministry of Coal attributed this trend to increased domestic coal production and offtake, strengthened First Mile Connectivity, close monitoring of thermal power plant stock, and coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Railways and Coal India Limited (CIL) to ensure assured supply to power utilities.