New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) India's coal import in the April-February period of 2024-25 dropped 9.2 per cent to 220.3 million tonnes (MT), resulting in foreign exchange savings of about Rs 53,137.82 crore, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

The country had imported 242.6 MT coal in the year-ago period.

The non-regulated sector, excluding the power sector, experienced a more significant decline, with imports dropping 15.3 per cent year-on-year.

"Although coal-based power generation grew by 2.87 per cent from April 2024 to February 2025 compared to the previous year, imports for blending by thermal power plants sharply decreased by 38.8 per cent," the coal ministry said in a statement.

This highlights the country's ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on imported coal and enhance self-sufficiency in coal production.

The Centre has implemented several initiatives, including commercial coal mining, to enhance domestic coal production and reduce imports.

These efforts have also led to a 5.45 per cent growth in coal output during the April-February period of 2024-25 compared to the same period of 2023-24. PTI SID TRB

Coal import reduction leads to foreign exchange savings and advances import substitution through expanded domestic coal production. Coal imports declined markedly in April-February 2024-25, lowering foreign exchange outflows and significantly reducing thermal power plant blending imports despite growth in coal based generation. The decline is linked to policy measures to boost domestic output, notably commercial coal mining, which coincided with reported growth in coal production and supports import substitution and energy self sufficiency.