Coal Supply to Power Plants Improves, Ministry of Coal Dismisses Crisis Fears
The Ministry of Coal has clarified that daily coal supplies to power plants have increased and the rate of depletion in stockpiles has declined.
The Ministry of Coal has issued a clarification regarding concerns over a potential power crisis caused by depleting coal stocks at power plants across India. The Ministry stated that apprehensions expressed in some media reports are incorrect and that the current situation is being closely monitored.
Addressing the 'critical stock' status, the Ministry explained that this is merely an indicator applied to plants whose coal reserves fall below a specified standard limit. The purpose of this status is to alert the respective plants before an actual fuel shortage occurs or power generation is affected. The inclusion of a plant on this list does not mean that coal has run out or that there is an immediate risk of the plant shutting down.
According to data, daily coal supplies to the power sector have increased by approximately 36 percent from the minimum levels seen in September. Average supply in October was recorded to be about 9 percent higher than in September. There has also been a significant decline in the rate at which coal stocks are depleting; this rate was 0.243 million tonnes (MT) per day in September, dropping to 0.116 MT per day in October.
Improvements have also been observed in coal transportation via railways. In October, coal was transported via an average of more than 465 rakes per day, and the target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days. Additionally, supplies through other modes, including road transport, have improved.
The Ministry of Coal stated that plants with low reserves are being monitored, and coal is being redistributed with priority given to sensitive plants. Based on historical trends, electricity demand is expected to decrease by mid-October as the monsoon retreats. The Ministry estimates that consistent loading of 465–475 rakes per day will further stabilize the situation, helping to build reserves ahead of the festivals, winter, and upcoming summer demand.
To ensure uninterrupted power generation in the country, close coordination has been established between the Ministry of Coal, the Ministry of Railways, and the Ministry of Power, with logistics being actively monitored.
