(a) the details of the coal imported by various sectors
during 1998-99 and 1999-2000;
(b) whether the imported quality of coal was not available
in indigenous mines;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government have allowed relaxation in
import duty and railway transportation charges for the
imports, contrary to the increase in railway
transportation charges of indigenous coal; and
(e) if so, the details thereof ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES & MINERALS
(SMT. RITA VERMA)
(a) In the year 1998-99, 15.64 million tonnes of coal were
imported into the country out of which 9.64 million tonnes
were coking coal and 6.00 million tonnes were non-coking
coal. Similarly, in 1999-2000, 8.65 million tonnes
(provisional) of coking coal and 6.50 million tonnes
(provisional) of non-coking coal were imported.
(b)&(c) Coking coal of the required quality is not
adequately available in the country, while there is
sufficient reserve of non-coking coal. Coal is, therefore,
imported primarily to bridge the gap between indigenous
availability and the required quality. Some import of non-
coking coal is also made as the present level of customs
duty and railway freight make such imports cost competitive
per unit of calorific value on certain locations.
(d)&(e): The basic import duty for coal has been brought
down from the level of 85% in 1993-94 to 10% in 1997-1998
and it remained there till 1998-99. It was again
revised to 15% in 1999-2000. It comes to 21.16%, after
addition of surcharge and special additional duty.
The Ministry of Railways had earlier allowed 10% rebate
on movement of imported coal from ports to upcountry
destinations. However, they have withdrawn this
concessional freight with effect from 1.4.2000.