India: Coal Imports Decline 5.83% To 104.57 MT, Blending Purchases Fall 35.23%

Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants fall 35.23 per cent, while plants dependent on imported fuel increase overseas purchases

India’s coal import movement in August 2026 revealed differing procurement patterns across power generation and industrial consumption. Imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants fell by more than a third from a year earlier, while power stations designed to operate on imported coal marginally increased their overseas purchases.

The distinction comes against the backdrop of a 5.83 per cent decline in India’s overall coal imports during August, according to the Ministry of Coal. Total imports fell to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) from 111.05 MT in August 2025, representing a reduction of 6.48 MT.

The sharpest movement within the power sector came from domestic coal-based plants that use imported fuel for blending. Their imports declined to 3 MT from 4.64 MT a year earlier, a reduction of 35.23 per cent. In contrast, imports by imported coal-based power plants increased to 18.31 MT from 18.13 MT. These plants are designed primarily to operate on imported coal, making their procurement requirements different from those of domestic coal-based generators.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →