India’s coal imports declined 5.83 per cent year-on-year to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in August 2026, compared with 111.05 MT in the corresponding month last year, as the government stepped up efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on overseas supplies.
According to the Ministry of Coal, imports fell by 6.48 MT during the month, reflecting improved domestic availability and measures to strengthen the country’s coal supply chain.
Coal imports by power plants dropped 6.39 per cent to 21.32 MT in August, against 22.77 MT in the year-ago period. Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants recorded a sharper decline of 35.23 per cent to 3 MT from 4.64 MT.
However, imports by imported coal-based power plants rose marginally by 0.98 per cent to 18.31 MT, compared with 18.13 MT in August 2025. These plants primarily rely on imported coal to meet their operational requirements.
The share of imported coal in India’s total consumption also declined to 19.30 per cent during August, from 21.20 per cent in the corresponding period last year, marking a reduction of 1.90 percentage points.
Coking coal imports, which primarily meet the steel industry’s raw material requirements, fell 4.18 per cent to 27.30 MT from 28.49 MT a year earlier.
The ministry said domestic coking coal reserves have quality limitations, making imports necessary for specific steel production requirements.
It is strengthening domestic production, transportation and evacuation infrastructure while monitoring thermal power plant stocks. It is also coordinating with Railways and Coal India to ensure timely supplies, reduce imports and maintain uninterrupted power generation.
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