What's behind India's 13% drop in coal imports in April

India's coal imports declined nearly 13% year-on-year in April 2026 to 21.13 million tonnes (MT), driven by lower overseas purchases by the power sector as improved domestic supplies reduced dependence on imported fuel, according to official data.

Total coal imports fell to 21.13 MT in April from 24.27 MT in the same month last year, a decline of 3.14 MT or 12.95%, the coal ministry said in a statement.

Coal imports by power plants dropped 24.89% to 3.51 MT in April 2026 from 4.67 MT a year earlier, aided by higher domestic coal availability and reduced dependence on imported coal for blending.

Imports by imported coal-based (ICB) power plants fell 27.45% to 2.88 MT from 3.97 MT in April 2025, marking the sharpest decline among the categories tracked by the ministry.

Coal imported by domestic coal-based (DCB) power plants for blending purposes also declined 11.26% to 0.63 MT from 0.71 MT a year ago.

“The decline reflects the sustained impact of the Ministry of Coal's continuing push for import substitution and enhanced domestic coal availability, particularly for the power sector,” the ministry said.

Coal imports as a share of total domestic consumption also declined to 19.68% in April 2026 from 21.69% in the corresponding month last year.

However, coking coal imports, which are primarily used by the steel industry and for which India has limited domestic reserves, rose marginally by 1.34% to 6.01 MT from 5.93 MT in April 2025.

The ministry said the increase was “consistent with continued growth in domestic steel production and reflecting that this category is driven by resource-specific requirements rather than availability gaps.”

It said the overall decline in coal imports has been supported by higher domestic coal production and offtake, improved first-mile connectivity, close monitoring of coal stocks at thermal power plants, and coordinated efforts with the railways and state-owned Coal India Ltd to ensure timely supplies.

The ministry said it will continue to focus on raising domestic coal output, strengthening evacuation infrastructure and improving quality-based grading to further reduce import dependence in the coming months.