Power Ministry asks thermal units to import coal for minimum 10% blending

The power ministry said the revival of the economy had led to an increase in demand and consumption of electricity

The Centre has asked thermal power generators to import coal for at least 10 per cent blending, citing shortage of domestic coal supply. This is a sharp reversal of its earlier directive of using domestic coal.

At the same time, it alleged that "several states" were selling unallocated power from central generating stations on power exchanges "at a high price" and would be penalised.

The Union power ministry's warning came without the ministry spokesperson disclosing which states they were. 

The mandate to use imported coal for blending came two days after the coal and power ministers denied any shortage of domestic coal.

"Thermal power