Coal Supply to Power Plants Rises 36% from September Low, Stock Depletion Slows

New Delhi, October 9: Coal supplies to India’s power sector have improved in October, rising around 36 per cent from the September low, while the rate of coal stock depletion at power plants has fallen by more than half, according to the Ministry of Coal.

Responding to media reports raising concerns about low coal inventories and the risk of power shortages, the Ministry clarified that the classification of a power plant under the “critical stock” category does not necessarily mean it has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown.

The classification is a norm-based early-warning mechanism that identifies plants holding less coal than the prescribed threshold of normative stock. It is intended to flag potential concerns before an actual fuel shortage or loss of electricity generation occurs.

Coal supplies and rail loading improve

The Ministry said coal supplies to the power sector averaged around 9 per cent higher in October than in September. Rail transportation has also strengthened, with loading averaging more than 465 rakes per day during October.

The target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days, while supplies through other transportation modes, including road, have also improved.

The improved supply position has helped moderate the pace of stock depletion at power plants, although the process of rebuilding inventories has yet to begin.

Daily stock depletion falls by more than half

According to the Ministry, the daily drawdown of coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants has declined from 0.243 million tonnes per day in September to 0.116 million tonnes per day in October.

The reduction indicates that the coal stock situation is stabilising, even as the number of plants classified under the critical stock category remains under close monitoring.

The Ministry said coal is being redistributed to vulnerable power stations on a requirement basis to maintain adequate availability and prevent disruptions to electricity generation.

Government monitors supplies ahead of seasonal demand

With the monsoon receding and peak electricity demand historically expected to moderate by mid-October, the Ministry said sustained rail loading of 465–475 rakes per day should support further stabilisation and help initiate stock rebuilding.

The objective is to strengthen inventories ahead of the festive season, winter and the subsequent summer demand period, reducing the number of power plants falling under the critical stock category.

The Ministry of Coal, in coordination with the Ministries of Railways and Power, is monitoring coal supplies and transportation logistics to ensure that fuel availability does not constrain electricity generation anywhere in the country.