India’s Coal Production to Outpace Demand in 2025: IEA Report

Current Context: On July 25, 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that India’s thermal coal production will exceed demand, reshaping global coal trade.

India’s Thermal Coal Outlook:

• Production (2025): Estimated at 1.11 billion tonnes, rising to 1.15 billion tonnes in 2026
• Demand (2025): Projected at 1.314 billion tonnes, with a 2.1% drop in power sector coal use in H1 2025
• Industrial Demand: Rose 6% YoY, led by steel sector
• Power Sector Dip: Early monsoon and strong hydropower reduced coal-fired electricity generation
• Imports: Expected to fall to ~150 million tonnes, down from ~219 million tonnes
• Prices: Thermal coal prices dropped to $100/tonne, lowest since 2017–2019
• Global Impact: Oversupply may reduce global coal trade; total global production projected at 9.2 billion tonnes.

Question:

Q.1 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report released on July 25, 2025, what is India's projected thermal coal production for 2025?
a) 1.05 billion tonnes
b) 1.11 billion tonnes
c) 1.314 billion tonnes
d_ 1.15 billion tonnes

Answer: b) India’s thermal coal production for 2025 is estimated at 1.11 billion tonnes, as per the IEA report.