Business

Coal Imports Decline by 8.4% Year-on-Year from April to December

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

According to a statement from the Coal Ministry released on Tuesday, coal imports between April and December 2024 decreased by 8.4%, amounting to 183.42 million tonnes (MT). This marks a decline from the 200.19 MT imported during the same timeframe in the previous fiscal year.
The reduction in imports has resulted in foreign exchange savings estimated at around USD 5.43 billion (Rs 42,315.7 crore).

Notably, the Non-Regulated Sector, which excludes the power sector, saw an even more pronounced decrease, with imports falling by 12.01% year-over-year.

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Despite a 3.53% growth in coal-based power generation from April to December 2024 compared to the previous year, thermal power plants experienced a significant 29.8% decline in coal imports for blending purposes.

The Ministry emphasized that the Government of India has rolled out several initiatives, including Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal, aimed at bolstering domestic coal production and curtailing imports. These initiatives have contributed to a notable 6.11% increase in coal output during the April-December 2024 period relative to FY 2023-24.

By focusing on enhancing domestic coal production, the government strives to advance toward its Viksit Bharat vision of establishing a self-reliant, sustainable energy infrastructure that supports sustained economic growth.

The ministry also pointed out that the country faces considerable challenges in fulfilling its domestic coal requirements, particularly for coking coal and high-grade thermal coal, which are scarce in local reserves. Consequently, coal imports continue to be crucial for satisfying the demands of key industries such as steel production.

Recent data indicates that total coal production from captive and commercial mines for the financial year 2024-25 has reached 167.36 MT as of February 2025, representing a remarkable 32.53% year-over-year increase compared to 126.28 MT produced by February of the previous year.

Coal dispatches have also shown significant growth, with total dispatch reaching 170.66 MT for the financial year, exceeding the 128.45 MT recorded the previous year. This reflects a 32.86% year-over-year growth, ensuring a stable and continuous coal supply for essential sectors including power, steel, and cement.

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Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.