NTPC to import 4 mn tonnes more of coal in 2013-14

NEW DELHI: NTPC will seek another 4 million tonnes of thermal coal shipments in this financial year, following its current tender to import 5 million tonnes of the dry fuel to bridge an expected shortfall in local supplies.

NTPC has an annual import need of 16 million tonnes of coal in the year to March 2014, up 65 percent from a year ago, when delays in awarding contracts trimmed shipments. 

NTPC could not import its estimated 16 million tonnes of coal last fiscal year "because of some procedural problem," said an NTPC official. 

It is, however, open to importing more if there is a compelling opportunity in this fiscal year, the official said. ECONOMIC TIMES .