New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- India's coal imports declined by 5.83 per cent to 104.57 million tonnes (MT) in figures reported for August 2026, compared to 111.05 MT in the corresponding period last year, with imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants falling sharply by 35.23 per cent, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Coal on Sunday.

The ministry said the overall reduction of 6.48 MT reflected efforts to increase domestic coal production, improve availability and strengthen supply chains to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

"The decline in overall coal imports, particularly imports for blending at domestic coal-based power plants, underscores the importance of strengthening domestic production, transportation and...