India to start importing coal

India, the world's third largest coal producer after the US and China, due to the estimated doubling of the domestic demand for coal to 710 million tons by 2011-2012, may have to import approximately 76 million tons of the raw material. The Planning Commission estimated that by 2011-2012 the country would still require to import an additional 30-40 million tons of superior grade thermal coal and 36 million tons of coking coal to meet the domestic shortage despite the intentions of the government to raise the production by 11 percent per year outlined in 11th plan.