Indian power utilities imported 80.47 million mt of thermal coal in fiscal year 2015-2016 (April-March), down 11.8% on year, according to latest data from India's Central Electricity Authority.
Of the total, 36.98 million mt was imported by 37 utilities in the 12-month period as against a target of 42 million mt for blending purpose, the data showed.
Six utilities did not import any coal during fiscal 2015-2016.
However, eight utilities, which use only imported coal for their power plants exceeded the target of 42 million mt by importing 43.49 million mt during the last fiscal year.
On a monthly basis, March 2016 imports were at 5.8 million mt, down 22.6% from the year-ago period.
Private power producer Adani Power imported the highest quantity at 16.8 million mt for its Mundra thermal power plant during fiscal 2015-2016, followed by state-run power generator NTPC Limited at 9.5 million mt and Tata Power for its Mundra ultra mega power plant at 9.3 million mt.
