India's coal import outlook for 2026

Domestic production is rising, but blending economics and port capacity still favour imported thermal coal for coastal plants.

Bulk carrier discharging thermal coal at an Indian port

Why imports still matter

Domestic supply has grown, yet coastal power stations continue to blend imported thermal coal.

  • Calorific consistency
  • Predictable delivery windows
  • Lower ash handling costs

Blending is a commercial decision before it is a technical one.

What we watch

Freight rates, rupee movement, and berth availability at the western ports.

  • Thermal Coal
  • Imports
  • Logistics
All insights