Jaipur: On Tuesday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the Centre is forcing states to buy imported coal, which is three times more expensive than domestic coal. He also requested the Centre to eliminate the necessity to buy imported coal, which he claimed had been raised to 10% of overall purchases.
Mr Gehlot stated in a press statement that imported coal costs three times more than coal given by Coal India.
Rajasthan could face a cost of Rs. 1,736 crore if it acquires imported coal, according to the chief minister.
“The Union ministry of power had issued an advisory in December 2021 to the Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam for 4 per cent imported coal blending and in April, it has been made mandatory to buy 10 per cent,” a release quoting Gehlot said.
“The price of this imported coal is more than three times the price of coal being given by Coal India Limited. Its cost is expected to be about ₹ 1,736 crore, which is much higher than the cost of domestic coal,” the release said.
The chief minister expressed concern over the additional burden on the common consumer due to imported coal.
In a review meeting of the energy department, he directed officials to ensure a smooth operation of power generation units in the state and increase the production. The CM also directed to get the accident prone power lines repaired.
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