New Delhi, July 2 -- India's coal imports fell nearly 13 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, driven by a sharp decline in imports by the power sector, as higher domestic coal availability continued to reduce the country's dependence on overseas supplies, the Ministry of Coal said on Thursday.

The ministry said total coal imports declined to 21.13 million tonnes (MT) in April 2026 from 24.27 MT in the same month last year, a reduction of 12.95 per cent.

"The decline reflects the sustained impact of the Ministry of Coal's continuing push for import substitution and enhanced domestic coal availability, particularly for the power sector," the ministry said in its statement.

Imports by power plants recorded the steepest fall, dropping 24.8...