India’s Coal Imports Decline 5.83% to 104.57 Million Tonnes in August
India’s total coal imports declined 5.83% year-on-year to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in August 2026, compared with 111.05 MT in August 2025, according to the Ministry of Coal. The decline represents a reduction of 6.48 MT and reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic coal production and reduce dependence on imported supplies.
The share of imported coal in India’s total coal consumption also declined to 19.30% in August 2026, compared with 21.20% in the corresponding month last year. This represents a reduction of 1.90 percentage points, indicating lower reliance on imported coal during the month.
Coal imports by power plants declined 6.39% to 21.32 MT from 22.77 MT a year earlier. The reduction was particularly significant in imports used for blending at domestic coal-based power plants, which fell 35.23% to 3 MT from 4.64 MT in August 2025.
However, imports by imported coal-based power plants increased marginally by 0.98% to 18.31 MT from 18.13 MT. These plants are specifically designed to operate primarily on imported coal, meaning their fuel requirements remain dependent on overseas supplies.
Coking Coal Imports Fall 4.18%; Government Focuses on Domestic Production and Supply Infrastructure
India’s coking coal imports declined 4.18% to 27.30 MT in August 2026, compared with 28.49 MT in the corresponding month last year. Coking coal is an important raw material for steel production, and India’s domestic reserves have limitations in terms of quality and characteristics. Consequently, the steel industry continues to depend on imports to meet specific raw material requirements.
The Ministry of Coal said it is focusing on increasing domestic coal production and offtake, strengthening First Mile Connectivity (FMC), improving coal evacuation infrastructure and monitoring coal stocks at thermal power plants.
The government is also coordinating with the Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries to ensure timely and adequate coal supplies to power utilities. These measures are aimed at improving transportation efficiency, strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing avoidable import dependence.
The latest figures indicate that India’s dependence on imported coal is gradually declining, particularly for blending requirements at domestic coal-based power plants. However, imports remain important for power plants designed to use imported coal and for industries such as steel, which require specific grades of coking coal.
How much did India’s coal imports decline in August 2026?
India’s total coal imports declined 5.83% year-on-year to 104.57 million tonnes in August 2026, compared with 111.05 MT in August 2025.
How much did coal imports for power plants decline?
Imports by power plants declined 6.39% to 21.32 MT from 22.77 MT in August 2025.
How much did coal imports for blending decline?
Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants fell 35.23% to 3 MT from 4.64 MT.
What is India’s imported coal share in total consumption?
The share of imported coal in India’s total coal consumption declined to 19.30% in August 2026 from 21.20% a year earlier.
How much did coking coal imports decline?
Coking coal imports declined 4.18% to 27.30 MT in August 2026 from 28.49 MT in August 2025.
Why does India continue to import coking coal?
India’s domestic coking coal reserves have limitations in terms of quality and characteristics, making imports necessary to meet the specific raw material requirements of the steel industry.
What is the government doing to reduce coal imports?
The government is increasing domestic production, improving coal transportation and evacuation infrastructure, strengthening First Mile Connectivity and coordinating with Coal India and the Railways to ensure reliable supplies.
