Coal production from captive and commercial mines increased 10.2% in the financial year 2025-26 to 210.46 million tonnes, on a year-over-year basis, the government informed in a statement Thursday.

Further, dispatches from captive and commercial mines also increased 7.35% to scale 204.61 MT during the same period.

The increase in coal production and dispatches is of particular significance for the country, as it seeks to tap into the carbon commodity to oversee the increased pressure on natural gas amidst the escalating tensions in West Asia.

The ministry also informed 12 captive and commercial coal blocks were operationalised by granting of mine opening permission (MOP) in FY 2025-26.

Further, to accelerate commencement of production, the ministry informed, seven blocks commenced production within the same financial year.