According to the data compiled by CoalMint Research, Pakistan’s coal imports have rebounded after falling in Apr’19 to record 31% growth during May’19, driven by higher coal imports taken by power sector.
The country had imported 1,130,397 MT coal in May’19 against 863,920 MT in Apr’19. Import volumes were however 13% lower on the year from 1,295,896 MT in May’18.
Origin-wise Imports:
Majority of the coal shipments were procured from South Africa, accounting to 865,061 MT in May’19, while the remaining 265,336 MT coal was taken from Indonesia. Coal sourcing from both these countries had increased m-o-m during May’19.
Unlike the previous month no coal shipment were procured from Mozambique during May’19.
Sector-wise Imports:
A sector-wise break-up of coal imports indicate that power sector’s coal sourcing had increased 64% on the month to 493,524 MT in May’19 as against 300,040 MT in Apr’19. Imports by the power sector had accounted for 44% of the total volume during May’19.
Media reports citing Chairman of Power China Resources have stated that Pakistan is likely to become an energy sufficient country in the coming three years. In order to meet the power demand, the Pakistani government has given its commitment to the CPEC projects, and has set timelines to resolve pending issues.
After the successful commissioning of Port Qasim and Sahiwal power plants, the government aided by CPEC, has recently started the Engro Powergen Thar Limited’s (EPTL) lignite coal power plant.
Next in line is the Gwadar power project. The government has committed to develop Gwadar citing that the provision of electricity and drinking water in the area was their utmost priority. The government was firm to make all efforts to expedite the start of 300 MW Gwadar coal power plant.
Pakistan’s cement industries, country’s second largest coal consumer, had reported their lowest monthly coal imports for CY19. Imports of 294,244 MT were recorded in May’19, down 3% M-o-M from 304,815 MT in Apr’19.
Cement industries’ performance have been weighted down by a subdued sales figures during the first 9 months of Pakistani fiscal year 2018-19 (Jul’18 to Mar’19), noting a negative growth of 0.51% as per the data provided by Pakistan Cement Manufacturer Association.
During the first 5 months of CY19 (Jan’19-May’19), Pakistan’s coal imports have increased 5% Y-o-Y to 5,970,774 MT as compared to 5,683,941 MT in the same period of CY18.
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