New Delhi, June 25: India's coal production grew 4.4 per cent during May 2003 to 26.55 million tonnes led by strong performance of public-sector Coal India which saw its inventories decline even as production climbed up. Coal offtake also posted an improved performance, recording 3.6 per cent growth at 27.92 million tonnes during the month as compared with 26.93 million tonnes during the year-ago month, according to data released today by the government.

Inventories, however, fell to 16.05 million tonnes from 18.15 million tonnes a year ago.
Coal India (CIL) witnessed massive decline in its closing stock which touched 15.61 million tonnes in May as against 17.83 million tonnes a year ago.
The public sector unit also saw production rising to 22.67 million tonnes from 21.99 million tonnes during the period while offtake improved to 24.11 million tonnes as compared to 23.4 million tonnes.
Other producers including state owned Singarenei Collieries as well as private sector enterprises chipped in with better performances as output climbed to 3.88 million tonnes from 3.42 million tonnes. Bureau Report