India slashes coal imports by 9.2% in April–Feb FY25, saving ₹53,137 crore in foreign exchange.
In a significant milestone towards energy self-reliance, India’s coal imports declined by 9.2% during April 2024 to February 2025, totalling 220.3 million tonnes (MT), down from 242.6 MT in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This reduction has resulted in foreign exchange savings of approximately $6.93 billion (₹53,137.82 crore).
The non-regulated sector, which excludes power generation, recorded an even steeper drop of 15.3%, showcasing reduced reliance on imported coal by industries such as cement and steel. Notably, imports for blending by thermal power plants fell sharply by 38.8%, despite a 2.87% rise in coal-based power generation during the same period—demonstrating improved coal availability and efficiency domestically.
This drop in coal imports aligns with the Government of India’s strategic initiatives to boost domestic coal production and reduce dependency on imports. Key reforms like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal have contributed to a 5.45% increase in coal production over the same period.
Coal continues to be the backbone of India’s energy mix, powering critical sectors such as power, steel, and cement. While the country still relies on imports for coking coal and certain grades of thermal coal, the recent data reflects a decisive shift toward self-reliance and energy security.
The Ministry of Coal is committed to building a resilient and sustainable coal ecosystem as part of the national mission of Viksit Bharat. The focus remains on enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and ensuring a secure, cost-efficient energy future for India’s fast-growing economy.
Source: PIB
