Thermal coal prices are on a downward spiral globally. Australian coal prices have fallen nearly 20 per cent in the past week, and 40 per cent from their peak of 2018, according to Reuters.
For domestic power producers, that import coal, this should come as good news. However, the extent of benefit will be limited as Indian firms import largely from Indonesia and South Africa.
“India does not import much from Australia. The decline is more volatile and is not meaningful for companies to strategise accordingly. There may be some cost advantage due to the fall, but it will not be significant,” said Sharad Mahendra, chief operating officer – energy business, JSW Energy.
