28 May 2020 COAL has reduced production given the build-up in inventories at its own mines and power plants. Dispatches for COAL have increased over the past one week, even as power demand recovers and factories restart operations. As demand continues to recover and given the current focus on OBR, the company believes it would be in a better position to ramp up production. Of the ~170-180mt imported thermal coal in India, COAL plans to substitute ~100mt, thereby looking to improve off-take. ~18mt of coal has been auctioned and committed for off-take (as part of its import substitution drive). COAL has noted that it expects thermal power demand to continue at least for the next 10-15 years in the country. Accordingly, it plans to increase production to 1b ton over the next 3-5 years. While COAL is still finalizing its investment plan, it has set FY21 capex target at INR120b, which might increase in the coming years.