Is it true that Coal India is planning to import coal from abroad to meet shortfalls?
Answer
Answer
Coal India will issue short-term and a medium-term tenders next week to import coal for utilities. This is amidst CIL struggling to supply coal to thermal plants. Shortage of coal could be as high as 15% by the September quarter. Currently, coal accounts for 75% of India's power output and Coal India has 80% domestic coal share.
Indonesia, Australia and South Africa are among the top suppliers of thermal coal to India. Tender may be lower than the 58.7 MTPA shortfall as estimated by Power Ministry.