The five-day strike by coal industry workers across the country entered its second day on Wednesday after negotiations between government officials and trade unions ended in failure last night.
The strike has impacted the production of 75 percent of 1.5 million tonnes of daily coal production with the estimates suggesting that the strike has already caused losses of close to Rs 70 crore on the first day itself.
Fuel supplies to nearly 100 power plants across the country may also be impacted if the impasse continues.
After the failed talks with Coal Secretary Anil Swarup earlier on Tuesday, the trade unions have reportedly stated that they are open for talks with Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The workers are protesting against the disinvestment and restructuring of state-run Coal India. According to All India Coal Workers Federation, about five lakh workers have joined the strike.