India’s total coal imports declined by 5.83% to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in August 2026 compared to 111.05 MT in August 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Coal. The 6.48 MT reduction was attributed to efforts aimed at boosting domestic production, improving supply chain efficiency, and reducing reliance on foreign coal.
Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants recorded the sharpest fall, dropping 35.23% from 4.64 MT to 3.00 MT. Overall coal imports by the power sector decreased by 6.39% to 21.32 MT. Conversely, imports by imported coal-based power plants rose marginally by 0.98% to 18.31 MT, while coking coal imports for the steel sector fell 4.18% to 27.30 MT.
As a result, the share of imported coal in India’s total coal consumption fell by 1.90 percentage points, from 21.20% in August 2025 to 19.30% in August 2026. The ministry stated that it is continuing coordinated efforts with Coal India Limited and the Ministry of Railways to improve evacuation infrastructure and maintain adequate power sector supplies.
What it means
- Coal imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants fell by 35.23% to 3.00 MT in August 2026.
- The share of imported coal in total national coal consumption dropped to 19.30% in August 2026.
Source
Press Information Bureau, Government of India, “Coal Imports Decline by 5.83% in August 2026, Reflecting Reduced Import Dependence”. Read the original release.
Summary of an official release for general information only. Not investment advice. Read the original source before acting on any information.
Official RBI, SEBI, Government and Defence updates as they happen.
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