Politics · India Bureau
Newsprint Industry Urges PM Modi to Resolve Coal Supply Crisis
India's newsprint manufacturers have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address persistent coal supply disruptions that are raising production costs and threatening industry viability. The industry body has called for strict adherence to the 75:25 coal allocation ratio between power and non-power sectors.
LSN India ·
The Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association (INMA) has escalated concerns over erratic coal dispatches that continue to plague the newsprint production sector, seeking direct intervention from the Prime Minister's office to stabilize supplies and reduce mounting operational expenses.
According to industry representatives, irregular coal supplies have created significant bottlenecks in production schedules, forcing newsprint makers to operate below optimal capacity and absorb higher costs amid volatile market conditions. The disruptions have intensified pressure on already tight profit margins in the sector.
INMA has specifically advocated for the implementation of the 75:25 coal allocation framework, which designates 75 per cent of domestic coal supplies for the power sector and 25 per cent for other industrial users. The association argues that adherence to this formula would ensure more predictable and equitable distribution among non-power industries, including newsprint manufacturing.
The appeal underscores broader challenges facing India's paper industry, which relies heavily on domestic coal supplies for thermal energy requirements. Industry officials have emphasized that resolving supply inconsistencies is critical to maintaining competitiveness and sustaining production operations across the sector.