Import coal or get less Indian coal: Centre tells states

BHOPAL: Power generators who have not provided indents for imported coal to Coal India or have not initiated the process to import coal by June 3, will only be provided 70% of the coal allocated to them, the power ministry has told states in a letter dated June 1.
“…And allocation of coal (Indian coal) will be further reduced to 60% by June 15,” the letter warns.
Madhya Pradesh, which had already invited tenders for 7.5 lakh metric tons of imported coal and then put it on hold, has told the Centre that it will wait till rates of imported coal from Coal India Limited (CIL) are available.
“The state government has already received rates for imported coal through its own tender and is awaiting rates of coal provided through CIL. We will procure coal either through our own tender or through CIL, whichever comes at a lower price,” said sources in the state energy department.