 |
| (Pixabay) |
YMAM Desk
New Delhi, October 09, 2026:
The Ministry of Coal has said coal supplies to the power sector have improved since the September low, with daily supplies rising by around 36% and October supplies averaging about 9% higher than September. The Ministry said stock depletion at power plants had slowed significantly, although stock rebuilding had yet to commence.
The clarification comes amid recent media reports flagging the growing risk of power shortages in India as coal inventories at power plants fall to low levels.
The Ministry explained that the “critical stock” tag is a norm-based trigger for plants holding less than the prescribed threshold of normative stock. It is designed to flag plants early, well before an actual fuel shortage or loss of generation occurs.
"A plant appearing on the list does not necessarily mean it has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown."
It said that daily stock depletion has fallen by more than half, from 0.243 million tonnes per day (MT/day) in September to 0.116 MT/day in October, indicating that the position is stabilising. However, stock rebuilding is yet to begin.
Rail loading has also strengthened, averaging more than 465 rakes per day in October. The target of 470 rakes per day was achieved on three consecutive days. Supplies through other modes, including road transport, have also improved.
The Ministry said the increase in the number of plants with critical stocks was being closely monitored. Coal was being redistributed to vulnerable stations based on their requirements to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted power generation.
With the monsoon receding and peak demand expected to moderate by mid-October, in line with historical trends, sustained loading of 465–475 rakes per day is expected to support further stabilisation and enable stock rebuilding ahead of the festive season, winter and the subsequent summer demand periods. This is expected to reduce the number of plants in the critical category.
The Ministry of Coal, in close coordination with the Ministries of Railways and Power, is actively monitoring supplies and logistics to ensure that coal availability does not constrain power generation anywhere in the country.