Indian Government’s Goal
The Indian government is actively working to increase the production of coal within the country.
They want to reduce the reliance on importing certain types of coal.
Decrease in Imported Coal
The Minister of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, shared that imports of specific coal types for blending have dropped by a significant 44.3% from April to November in the current fiscal year (FY24).
The government aims to cut down on the import of coal grades that can be easily replaced by domestically produced coal.
Import Figures
The data shows that in the first eight months of the fiscal year FY24 (April-November), India imported 169.08 million metric tons (MT) of coal.
This is a notable decrease compared to the imports in the previous fiscal years: 237.67 MT in FY23, 208.63 MT in FY22, and 215.25 MT in FY21.
Focus on Domestic Production
Minister Joshi emphasized that the majority of the country’s coal needs are being met through domestic production and supply.
The government wants to reduce dependence on coal imports to enhance self-sufficiency in coal production.
Government’s Broader Initiatives
The efforts to increase domestic coal production align with the government’s broader initiatives to strengthen energy security and decrease reliance on imports.
Official Communication
Pralhad Joshi communicated this information through a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament.
This indicates that the government is officially sharing its stance and actions regarding coal imports.