Decline in coal imports by India's power plants points to distress

The decline in coal imports by India’s power plants points to distress in an increasing number of generators and a domestic supply shortfall.Imports by power stations fell about 15 percent from a year ago in the first two months of the fiscal year to March caused mainly by a 32 percent in overseas purchases by plants designed to use imported coal, according to calculations based on data from Central Electricity Authority, a unit of the power ministry. Higher coal prices and a weaker rupee forced them to cut generation. At the same time, plants that use domestic coal saw a 35 percent spurt in imports as they tried to bridge a shortfall in domestic supply.A court order last year barred some Indian power plants that use imported coal and have.....