Key Quantitative Figures
- Total coal buffer available in the system: 168 Million Tonnes (MT)
- Coal stocks at domestic coal-based plants: 47.6 MT (as of May 23, 2026)
- Coal inventory at CIL's mine heads: 113.5 MT (as of May 24, 2026), representing a 10% year-on-year increase
- Coal awaiting at transit points (goods sheds, private washeries, ports): approximately 3 MT
- Coal in transit (Rakes on Run): approximately 4 MT
- In-situ mine coal ready for extraction: approximately 50 MT
- Current inventory sufficient to meet 19 days of consumption
Operational Context
CIL addresses coal shortage apprehensions despite increased daily coal consumption by the country's thermal power plants. The compression of coal stock levels at coal-fired plants during peak summer is described as a natural occurrence rather than a supply-side crisis.
Plant Categorization
As of May 20, 2026, 21 plants were categorized under criticality. Of these, 11 are domestic coal-based plants, with 7 sourcing their coal from CIL.
Proactive Measures
CIL has been corresponding with power plants to build up their stocks for peak demand periods in advance, particularly for plants located at difficult logistic points, when there is ample coal availability.
Supply Assurance
The company states it has adequate quantity to meet the generation capacity of domestic coal-based plants and maintains additional coal ready for quicker extraction if demand necessitates.