The Indian government's attempts to reduce coal imports and their associated costs have been dealt a blow, after Q1 2018 figures revealed an 8% increase in thermal coal and a 13% hike in coking coal imports. Coal consumption has increased by about 6% year-on-year for the first quarter of 2018, according to data from India's Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. India ’s trade ministry said coal import costs rose 38.2% to INR1.4bn ($20.17bn), while the increase in imports was due to logistical bottlenecks and train shortages, as well as pollution cuts.
The Indian government's attempts to reduce coal imports and their associated costs have been dealt a blow, after Q1 2018 figures revealed an 8% increase in thermal coal and a 13% hike in coking coal imports. Canada and the US benefited most from the increased demand, with US imports tripling, while Australia’s market share slipped from 87.7% to 76%. India’s trade ministry said coal import costs rose 38.2% to INR1.4bn ($20.17bn), while the increase in imports was due to logistical bottlenecks and train shortages, as well as pollution cuts.