India experienced a 4.3% rise in coal imports, reaching 20.61 million tonnes in September compared to the corresponding month in the previous fiscal year. Data compiled by mjunction services limited, a B2B e-commerce firm, revealed that in September of the previous fiscal year, the country imported 19.75 million tonnes of coal.

Breaking down the September imports, non-coking coal imports accounted for 13.89 million tonnes, surpassing the 12.08 million tonnes imported in the same month last fiscal year. On the other hand, coking coal imports decreased to 4.59 million tonnes from 4.88 million tonnes in September of the fiscal year 2022-23.

In contrast, the overall coal imports for the April-September period of the current financial year declined to 124.53 million tonnes from 135.68 million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Non-coking coal imports during this period were recorded at 77.65 million tonnes, a decrease from 92.72 million tonnes in the same period last fiscal year. However, coking coal imports increased to 29.44 million tonnes, up from 28.05 million tonnes in the corresponding period last fiscal year.

Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO of mjunction, commented on the coal import trend, noting that the increase in import volumes in September was due to buyers strategically restocking before the festive season. Looking ahead, he anticipates moderate demand, considering the sufficient volumes available domestically and existing inventory levels.