New Delhi, 12 October (H.S.): Coal stocks at India’s domestic coal-based power plants have remained above 18 million tonnes since September 29, with the pace of depletion slowing significantly in October amid improved coal supplies. The stock stood at 18.932 million tonnes on September 29 and declined to 18.205 million tonnes on October 10.

The Ministry of Coal said on Monday that the relative stability in coal stocks indicated that supplies to power plants were broadly keeping pace with daily consumption. Plants with lower coal inventories are being closely monitored, while coal is being redistributed to them according to requirements to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted electricity generation.

The ministry attributed the slower depletion of coal stocks this month to an increase in the number of goods trainloads carrying coal to domestic power plants. During September, coal stocks declined by approximately 7.28 million tonnes over the month, representing an average daily depletion of around 240,000 tonnes. In comparison, stocks fell by only about 560,000 tonnes during the first 10 days of October, with the average daily decline dropping to approximately 60,000 tonnes.

According to the ministry, the increase in coal loading on railway rakes has contributed to the improvement. Between October 1 and 10, an average of 469 rakes per day were loaded with coal for the power sector, compared with 426 rakes per day in September, marking an increase of approximately 10 per cent. Daily coal loading during October ranged between 447 and 482 rakes.

Consequently, the actual daily coal supply to the power sector averaged 2.49 million tonnes in October, compared with 2.21 million tonnes per day in September. The ministry said actual supplies during the first 10 days of October exceeded the planned daily target of 2.37 million tonnes. Supplies remained above the target on nine of those 10 days.

The Ministry of Coal is working in coordination with Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the Ministry of Railways and power utilities to maintain adequate coal stocks and ensure the uninterrupted movement and supply of coal to power plants.

The ministry also commended Indian Railways for its continued cooperation and professional commitment to ensuring the efficient transportation of coal. Coal India Limited accounts for more than 80 per cent of India’s domestic coal production, making its contribution crucial to maintaining a reliable fuel supply for the country’s power sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar