New Delhi: Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants have held above 18 million tonnes since September 29, with the pace of depletion slowing sharply in October as supplies improved, the Coal Ministry said on Monday.
Inventories stood at 18.932 MT on September 29 and 18.205 MT on October 10. In the first 10 days of October, stocks fell by about 0.56 MT, or an average of 0.06 MT a day. In September, the decline was about 7.28 MT over the month, averaging 0.24 MT a day.
The ministry said the slower drawdown shows that coal supplies are keeping pace with daily consumption at power plants. Stocks rose on two days in October by 0.024 MT on October 2 and 0.017 MT on October 10.
Plants with critically low stocks remain under watch. The ministry said coal is being redistributed to vulnerable stations to maintain adequate supplies and uninterrupted power generation.
The ministry is coordinating with Coal India, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the Ministry of Railways and power utilities to sustain coal evacuation and supply. It also acknowledged Indian Railways’ role in moving coal efficiently.
