Indian coal imports from Russia highest in two yrs
Moscow: India, one of the key buyers of Russian thermal coal, increased its imports from Russia in May to the highest level in two years, business daily Kommersant reported on Friday. The Russian thermal coal deliveries to India rose by 52 per cent in May 2025 compared to April, reaching a two-year high of 1.3 million metric tons, reported Kommersant quoting a business review by the Russian Centre for Price Indices (CCI).
Records reveal since June 2023, monthly exports from Russia have not exceeded 1 million tons. Analysts interviewed by the Daily attribute this trend to the flexible pricing strategies adopted by Russian coal exporters, as well as the quality of the fuel itself. While a significant increase in Russia's market share in India is unlikely due to rising domestic production and the high cost of logistics. However, maintaining current shipment levels is entirely feasible, it said, voicing the opinion of experts.
India's total thermal coal imports in May increased seasonally by 10 per cent month-over-month to 17.4 million tons, the highest level since June 2024, the report said citing data from BigMint. Russia accounted for approximately 7.5 per cent of India's total coal purchases. Indonesia remained the country's top supplier, expanding shipments by 16 per cent over the previous month to 9.8 million tons.
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