Coal India reported the first increase in monthly shipments since February, after demand for the fuel picked up with easing of restrictions aimed at controlling the coronavirus pandemic.
The company shipped 44.34-million tons of coal in August, 9.3% more than a year earlier. Output rose 7% to 37.2-millions tons, the first increase in five months, company filing shows.
The demand for electricity has been rising since offices, factories and other commercial establishments resumed work after weeks of strict lockdown, which led to a record slump in the country’s quarterly gross domestic product. While an increase in energy consumption offers early signs of recovery, rapidly rising infection cases pose a threat.