New Delhi, March 11 (IANS). The country’s coal imports have fallen by 8.4 percent to 183.42 million tonnes (MT) in the April-December period of the current financial year, which was 200.19 MT in the same period of the previous financial year. The reason for this was to increase coal production in the country. This information was given by the government on Monday.
The Ministry of Coal said that due to a decrease in coal imports, the country saved foreign currency of about $ 5.43 billion (Rs 42,315.7 crore).
Except for the power sector, there has been a major decline of 12.01 percent on an annual basis in coal imports in the non-regulated sector.
Coal -based power generation increased by 3.53 percent in the period from April to December 2024 as compared to the previous year. During this time, there was a major decrease in imports for mixing by thermal power plants to increase the thermorrhagous value of coal.
The government said in a statement that it shows India’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on imported coal and increase self -reliance in coal production.
The coal sector plays an important role in supporting the country’s fast growing economy. The primary energy sources for important industries such as coal, power generation, steel production and cement manufacture serve as a source.
However, the country is facing a major challenge in fulfilling its domestic coal demand (especially coking coal and high -class thermal coal), which is lacking in the country. For this reason, coal is imported to meet the needs of major areas including steel production.
The Ministry of Coal is implementing strategic measures to strengthen domestic production and ensure safe coal supply, in line with India’s goals to reduce coal imports and increase energy security.
-IANS
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