India’s coal import increased by 8.8 per cent to 233.56 mn tonnes in 2018-19, according to a report. Coal imports were at 214.61 MT in 2017-18. India’s coal and coke imports during 2018-19 through 31 major and non-major ports are estimated to have increased by 8.83 per cent to 233.56 mn tonnes (MT) (provisional) as compared to 214.61 MT (revised) imported in 2017-18. Non-coking coal imports were at 164.21 MT in FY2018-19, about 13.25 per cent increase over 144.99 MT recorded in FY2017-18. Coking coal import was almost flat at 47.73 MT compared to 47.22 MT in 2017-18. The government has set a target of 1 billion tonne of coal production by 2019-20 for the mining major but is considering relaxing the timeline.

(Economic Times)