Question : DECREASE IN DEMAND OF COAL

(a) whether the demand of coal has been continuously decreasing during the last two years;

(b) if so, the details in this regard and the reasons therefor ;

(c) the major sectors to which the coal is being supplied at present;

(d) the quantum of coal demanded and supplied to each of these sectors, grade-wise, during the last three years; and

(e) the percentage of ash contents in the coal being supplied to the power plants?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL(SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN)

(a)to(d): Demand and offtake of coal has been consistently increasing, except in the year 1998-99. In 1998-99, there was general economic slowdown and resultant less demand by major consumers. The major sectors which are supplied coal are steel, power, cement etc. Total offtake of coal by major sectors and others for last three years is as under:-

(Million Tonnes)

S.N Consumer 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000
o

1. Power Houses 212.92 204.68 222.63

(3.62) (3.02) (2.11)

2. Steel Plants and 23.61 24.98 21.40
Cokeries

( raw coking coal)

3. Cement Plants 10.13 8.61 9.50

4. Others 50.30 50.31 50.86

(2.10)
Total Offtake 296.96 288.58 304.39

(5.72) (3.02) (2.11)