Monday, November 28, 2011

Demand and Supply of Coal

Central Government does not import coal. Under the present import policy of the Government, Coal is placed under Open General License (OGL) and can be freely imported by anyone in the country on payment of applicable import duty. This was informed by Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil , Minister of state in the Ministry of Coal while replying a written question in Rajya Sabha today.

The minister said that the Coal Regulatory Authority is proposed to be set up to regulate and conserve resources in the coal sector; protect the interests of consumers and producers of coal and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The proposed Regulator is expected to create a level playing field for all players in the coal sector and facilitate faster resolution of issues relating to economic pricing of coal, bench marking of standards of performance etc. The comments of concerned Ministries/Departments have been received and some major changes/suggestions have been made by some Ministries/Departments. At present, suitable incorporation of these changes/suggestions is being examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law. Once finalized, the draft Bill would be submitted for the approval of the competent authority.

The coal demand of various sectors is finalized by the Ministry of Coal/Planning Commission on annual basis, after discussions with all the stakeholders. The production and supply position of the Government coal companies are periodically monitored at the coal company level and reviewed by the Ministry of Coal.

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