Coal imports by thermal power plants decline; government measures to reduce import dependence
Coal imported by thermal power plants fell sharply in FY 2025-26 after government actions to increase domestic supplies and manage import-linked supply rules.
GS3PIBGS3Coal import dependenceThermal power plantsRevised SHAKTI Policy 2025
What happened: thermal power plant coal imports fell in FY 2025-26
The Ministry of Coal reported a decline in coal imports by thermal power plants after government actions aimed at increasing domestic coal availability and reducing import dependence in the power sector. Reported figures are:
Coal imported by thermal power plants in FY 2025-26: 45.4 MTCoal imported by thermal power plants in FY 2024-25: 62.5 MTApproximate change: decline of around 27.4%
The ministry also reported lower monthly imports by Imported Coal Based (ICB) plants:
Coal imported by ICB plants in April 2026: 2.88 MTCoal imported by ICB plants in April 2025: 3.97 MTApproximate change: decline of around 27.45%
Background and earlier position: how coal is allowed to be imported and why imports still occur
