India's thermal coal imports hit 4-year low amid renewables push
Business
India's thermal coal imports have dropped to their lowest level in four years, with just 65 million tons brought in from January to May 2026, a 12% dip compared with last year.
This shift is mostly thanks to more domestic coal production and a big push toward renewable energy.
India targets 30% coal power cut
The country is aiming to cut coal power generation by at least 30% this year, leaning on its growing renewable energy sector.
Renewable output jumped 22% in January-May 2026, while in May it hit a record 17.9% of the national power mix.
Even though heat waves pushed electricity demand higher, India managed to boost clean energy while lowering thermal coal imports, partly because global prices and freight costs made imports less appealing.