India's Coal Consumption Skyrockets In 2023: These Ports Are Leading The Way

India is the world’s second-largest coal consumer and importer after China. As per the latest data released by the Indian Ports Association (IPA), the coal traffic at Indian ports witnessed a significant increase in April 2023 as compared to April 2022. In this article, let’s take a closer look at the data and analyze the trends and changes.

Changes In Coking Coal & Other Coal Traffic

Here is the data from April 2022 – April 2023:

• Haldia Dock Complex– Haldia Dock Complex, located in West Bengal, saw a 34% increase in the volume of coal handled in April 2023.
• Kolkata Dock System- Kolkata Dock System experienced a 25% decline, bringing the total volume down to 70,000 tons.
• Kamarajar Port- Kamarajar (Ennore) saw a decrease of 27% in coal traffic.
• Paradip Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port- Paradip and V.O. Chidambaranar experienced a 1% and 132% increase, respectively.

Changes In Thermal And Steam Coal Traffic

Here is the data from April 2022 – April 2023:

• Mumbai Port- Mumbai saw the highest increase in thermal and steam coal traffic, with a 49% increase in volume in April 2023.
• Deendayal Port– Deendayal saw the second-highest increase in coal volume by 86%.
• Mormugao Port – Mormugao’s traffic increased by 135%.
• New Mangalore Port- New Mangalore saw a 35% increase in volume.
• V.O. Chidambaranar Port- V.O. Chidambaranar experienced a 72% traffic increase.
• Visakhapatnam Port- Visakhapatnam experienced a modest 3% increase in coal volume.
• Kamarajar (Ennore) Port- Kamarajar (Ennore) saw an 8% traffic increase.
• Paradip Port- Paradip saw a 12% increase in volume.

Overall Trend

The total traffic at all ports in India increased by 27% in April 2023 compared to April 2022, with a total of 11,920 ‘000 tons of thermal and steam coal. However, coking and other coal traffic increased by only 11%, totalling 4,572 ‘000 tons in April 2023. It is worth noting that some ports, including Kolkata Dock System, Haldia Dock Complex, and Kamarajar (Ennore), recorded a decline in coking and other coal traffic.

OFB’s Insight

The Indian Ports Association data suggests that the traffic at Indian ports has shown mixed trends in April 2023. While some ports witnessed a significant increase, others experienced a decline in traffic. It will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming months and what implications they have for India’s energy sector and the global coal market.

Read More – Here’s How India Smashed Coal Production Record In April 2023

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