India’s coal import fell by 9 percent to 17.32 million tonnes (MT) in April on the back of ample supply of dry fuel from domestic sources even as most of the thermal stations in the Country are being run on a hand to mouth existence.
The Coal imports (all types of coal) in April 2018 stood at 17.32 MT (provisional), about 9 percent lower than 19.08 MT recorded for April 2017, according to Ministry sources
Import demand from thermal power plants remained low due to ample supply from domestic sources, claimed the Ministry sources. In the Coal market, buyers were tentative in view of the high volatility in prices. Also, pet coke demand was low as users have been switching to U.S. coal to avoid pollution issues, Of the 17.32 MT dry fuel imported, the import of non-coking coal was 12.3 MT, followed by coking coal at 3.5 MT.
The lower volume of coal and coke imports in April could be attributed to a fall in non-coking coal and pet coke imports during the month.
And essentially the main reason why India will see an increase in coal imports would be an increase in demand of coal from the power generation during the summer months.
The Government had this month decided to augment coal supplies to centre/state power plants and independent power producers from May 19 to June 30 to overcome shortage of the dry fuel and check power crisis. The decision was taken in a joint meeting of Power, Coal and Railways Ministries ten days ago.
Source:-Dailyshippingtimes.com