India’s thermal coal imports declined to their lowest level in four years during the January-May period, falling to 65 million tons as the country increased domestic production and expanded renewable energy generation, according to commodities consultancy BigMint.

The imports dropped 12% compared to the same period a year earlier. India ranks as the world’s second-largest importer of thermal coal.

The country has been working to reduce its dependence on imported coal and has set a target to cut thermal coal use for power generation by at least 30% this year.

Coal India instructed its subsidiaries to increase production as high temperatures linked to the El Nino weather pattern drove up electricity consumption. Higher prices for imported coal and increased freight rates due to the Middle East crisis also contributed to the decline in imports, BigMint said.

Total power generation in India rose 5% during the January-May period compared to the previous year, while renewable generation grew 22%.

India’s peak power demand surpassed the country’s forecast of 270 gigawatts on May 21, driven by heat waves. Power demand in the country increased 11.2% in May to reach a two-year high, according to data from federal grid regulator Grid-India.

Thermal power generation climbed 10% in May from the previous year, marking the highest level since May 2024, as utilities increased output to meet continuous electricity demand. 

Source: Investing.Com 

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