The demand for cement manufacturers was projected to increase by 2.0 million tons, whilst coal-fired power plants would require 8 million tons by 2020

KARACHI: By 2020, Pakistan coal imports are projected to soar to 30 million tons a year by 2020 compared to the existing 20 million tons per year, according to CEO Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT), Shariq Siddiqui.

The expected surge in coal imports takes into account the planned expansion of cement manufacturers and coal-based power plants expected to come online in the next few years, reports The News.

According to Mr Siddiqui, cement manufacturers import about 8 million tons of coal annually, whilst 12 million tons was imported by power plants which include Port Qasim and Sahiwal Power plants.

The demand for cement manufacturers was projected to increase by 2.0 million tons, whilst coal-fired power plants would require 8 million tons by 2020.

• [Editor:tianyawei]