India's coal imports increased by 5.3% to 52.29 million tonnes (MT) in the first two months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. The data, compiled by mjunction services, indicated that the country had imported 49.62 MT of coal in April and May of FY24.

However, there was a slight decline in coal imports in May, dropping to 26.19 MT from 26.57 MT a year earlier.

According to mjunction services ltd, there was a decrease of 1.43% compared to the 26.57 MT imported in May 2023.

Vinaya Varma, MD and CEO of mjunction, mentioned that demand for imports is likely to stay low in the coming weeks due to the monsoon onset, while domestic production growth is expected to remain robust.

Additionally, it was anticipated that coking coal prices in the international market would rise due to supply constraints, potentially affecting interest from buyers in India.

In May, non-coking coal imports totaled 17.53 MT, down from 18.10 MT the previous year. Coking coal imports amounted to 5.03 MT, compared to 5.10 MT in May 2023.

Coal India is responsible for more than 80% of domestic coal production.

Following his appointment as coal and mines minister, G Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for India to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports.