Has India’s Coal Production Increased by 3.6% to Over 81.5 Million Tonnes in April?
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Synopsis
India's coal production is on the rise! In April, production surged to 81.57 million tonnes, showcasing a significant growth of 3.63%. With increased domestic output, the country is reducing its reliance on coal imports, saving billions in foreign exchange. Discover the implications of this growth for India's energy sector.
Key Takeaways
- Coal production in April reached 81.57 MT.
- Production increased by 3.63% compared to the previous year.
- Coal stock held by companies rose to 125.76 MT.
- Coal imports decreased by 8.4%, saving $5.43 billion.
- CIL reported a stock of 105 MT, a growth of 22.1%.
New Delhi, May 1 (NationPress) India’s total coal production for the month of April reached 81.57 million tonnes (MT), showcasing a growth of 3.63% compared to 78.71 MT during the same month last year, as reported by the government on Thursday.
Coal production from captive and other entities’ mines in April for FY 2025-26 was recorded at 14.51 MT, which is a substantial increase from 11.46 MT during the same period last year. This growth emphasizes the expanding role of captive mining in India’s coal production landscape, according to a statement from the Ministry of Coal.
In terms of coal dispatch, India achieved a total of 86.64 MT in April, reflecting a steady rise from 85.11 MT in April 2024 for FY 2025-26.
By April 30, coal stock held by coal companies surged to 125.76 MT in FY 2025-26, a notable increase from 102.41 MT during the same timeframe last year.
Specifically, Coal India Limited (CIL) reported a total coal stock of 105 MT for FY 2025-26, representing a significant 22.1% growth compared to 86.60 MT recorded in the same period the previous year. This performance highlights an impressive annual growth rate of 22.8%, showcasing the strong performance and efficiency of the coal sector, as indicated by the official statement.
The Ministry aims for sustainable growth, enhanced coal availability, and reduced reliance on imports.
India’s coal imports from April to December 2024 fell by 8.4%, totaling 183.42 million tonnes (MT), down from 200.19 MT during the same period last financial year, attributed to the rise in domestic production.
This decline in imports has led to foreign exchange savings of approximately $5.43 billion (₹42,315.7 crore), as reported by the ministry.
The non-regulated sector, excluding the power segment, witnessed a more drastic decline, with imports decreasing by 12.01% year-on-year.
Despite a 3.53% increase in coal-based power generation from April to December 2024 compared to the previous year, imports for blending in thermal power plants to enhance the calorific value of coal diminished sharply by 29.8%.
The government has initiated various measures, including Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal, aimed at boosting domestic coal production and reducing imports.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the implications of India's increasing coal production. The uptick signifies an effective strategy to bolster domestic output, which reduces import dependency and enhances energy security. This growth is a positive indicator for India's energy landscape, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and economic efficiency.
NationPress
01/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was India's coal production in April?
India's coal production in April reached 81.57 million tonnes (MT), marking an increase of 3.63% compared to the previous year.
How much did coal imports decline?
Coal imports from April to December 2024 declined by 8.4%, totaling 183.42 million tonnes (MT).
What initiatives has the government implemented?
The government has launched initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal to enhance domestic production.
