India’s Coal Imports from Russia Hit Two-Year High in May

New Delhi, June 28, 2025 — According to recent reports, India’s thermal coal imports from Russia surged to a two-year high in May 2025. Monthly imports reached approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes, marking a 52% increase over April levels .

🔍 What’s Behind the Surge?

• Flexible pricing and superior fuel quality of Russian coal made it a more attractive choice for Indian buyers

• Analysts suggest that competitive pricing strategies and higher calorific value compared to Indonesian coal drove the shift

📊 Broader Coal Import Context

• India’s overall thermal coal imports in May climbed to 17.4 million tonnes, a 10% month-on-month rise and the highest since June 2024

• During this period, Russia’s share accounted for roughly 7.5% of total imports, with Indonesia remaining the top supplier at 9.8 million tonnes

⚡ Why It Matters

• The uptick reflects India’s balanced approach to energy procurement—integrating imports of high-grade coal while bolstering domestic production.

• With an early monsoon reducing thermal power demand due to increased hydropower output, India may capitalize on favorable prices

🌿 What Lies Ahead

• Experts believe this surge may stabilize at current levels but is unlikely to significantly sway long-term market share, given logistics costs and ample homegrown coal supply

• Future imports will hinge on price competitiveness, weather patterns, and India’s broader energy strategy.

This breakout in Russian coal imports underscores India’s evolving energy procurement strategy—marked by cost-sensitive sourcing and diversification to secure power and industrial needs.