Coal Sector Surges with 14.8% Growth in June 2024, Outperforming Other Core Industries

The coal sector recorded a remarkable 14.8% growth in June 2024, outperforming other core industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. The sector's impressive production and dispatch figures highlight its pivotal role in the nation's energy and manufacturing industries.

The coal sector has exhibited the highest growth among the eight core industries, achieving a 14.8% increase in June 2024, according to the Index of Eight Core Industries, released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. The index for the coal industry reached 186.4 points in June 2024, compared to 162.4 points in the same period last year. The cumulative index rose by 10.8% between April and June 2024, compared to the previous year.

The Index of Core Industries (ICI) measures the combined and individual production performance of eight core industries: cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel. In June 2024, the combined index of these industries saw a 4.0% increase, underscoring the coal sector's significant contribution to overall industrial expansion.

Consistently outperforming other sectors, the coal industry’s growth can be attributed to a surge in coal production in June 2024, with output reaching 84.71 million tonnes, a 14.6% increase from the previous year. Such growth highlights the sector's capacity to meet the rising demands of energy and manufacturing industries.

In July, the coal sector continued its strong performance, with cumulative production reaching 321.45 million tonnes in FY25, a 9.78% increase from 292.80 million tonnes in FY24. Total coal dispatch in July 2024 saw a notable increase, hitting 79.54 million tonnes, a 4.58% rise from July 2023. The cumulative coal dispatch up to July 2024 stood at 341.61 million tonnes, marking a 7.92% growth compared to FY24.

As of July 31, 2024, coal stocks held by companies surged to 86.8 million tonnes, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 43.85%. These statistics underscore the coal sector's resilience and its crucial role in meeting the nation's energy demands, advancing towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat.