Coal production in May 2008 up by 7.44 pct

New Delhi, Jun 24 (UNI) Coal production by Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd rose by 7.44 per cent from 33.33 million tonnes in May 2008 against 31.02 million tonnes recorded in May 2007.

Dispatches to the power sector during the month stood at 26.66 million tonnes, an official release here said.

During the month, e-auction was held in all coal producing companies of Coal India Ltd (CIL). Provisional result of the e-auction in CIL indicates that all the auctions taken together during the month have made possible a total allocation of 52.26 lakh tonnes of coal against the notified quantity of about 122.91 lakh tonnes. Percentage increase over notified price was 69.3.

One more captive coal block, Choritand-Taliya, was allocated to Rungta Mines Ltd and Sunflag Iron&Steel Ltd on May 14.

Meanwhile, outstanding dues (including payable by the power sector to coal companies as on May 22 last was estimated at Rs 2,292.04 crore against Rs 2,204.15 crore (provisional) up to April 22 last.

The undisputed dues accounted for Rs 1,289.29 crore of the total outstanding. The outstanding dues of Neyveli Lignite Corporation as on May 31 last was Rs 847.41 crore provisionally.

UNI SD SR HT1822