New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal clarified media reports suggesting that there is a threat of power shortage in the country because of coal stocks at power plants getting exhausted soon. It said ``critical stock'' was a process initiated when stock of coal fell below a certain level as a warning to the plant so that it could be immediately brought to notice of authorities to avert any mishap. It said the label was only a precautionary measure and not indicative of an acute power shortage.
Surge in Daily Supplies and Rail Loading Capabilities
Power utilities' coal supply has surged by 36% on a daily basis since the end of September. Daily coal supplies averaged 0.116 million tonnes (MT) in October against 0.134 MT in September. As a result, the daily coal stock has depleted by more than 50%, down to 0.116 MT/day from 0.243 MT/day.
Rail loading averaged over 465 rakes/day during October with record loadings of 470 rakes/day for three consecutive days. Coal deliveries by road and other modes have also shown improvement. The ministry said power stations were being monitored closely as those with critical stock levels would get priority allocation of coal. With rains tapering off and peak load likely to decrease by mid-October, coal deliveries at 465-475 rakes/day should help replenish stocks of coal at power plants well in advance of festive, winter and summer peaks.
Inter-Ministry Coordination to Ensure Uninterrupted Supply
The Ministry of Coal said it was working closely with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power to ensure uninterrupted provision of coal to power plants in order to prevent any power shortage in the country.
