The Ministry of Coal issued a clarification addressing media reports about growing risks of power shortages due to low coal inventories at power plants. The ministry emphasized that the "critical stock" designation is a norm-based trigger designed as an early-warning system for plants holding less than prescribed normative stock thresholds, not an indication of imminent shutdown or actual fuel shortage.
Coal supplies to power plants have significantly improved since September 2026, with daily supplies to the power sector rising by approximately 36% from the September low. October 2026 supplies averaged about 9% higher than September levels. Rail loading operations have correspondingly strengthened, averaging over 465 rakes per day in October, with the 470-rake target achieved on three consecutive days. Additional supply improvements have been recorded through other modes including road transport.
The rate of stock depletion has moderated substantially, falling by more than half from 0.243 MT per day in September to 0.116 MT per day in October. While the position is stabilizing, stock rebuilding has not yet commenced. The ministry is closely monitoring plants with critical stocks and implementing requirement-based redistribution of coal to vulnerable stations to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted power generation.
With the monsoon receding and peak demand expected to moderate by mid-October according to historical trends, sustained loading of 465-475 rakes per day is expected to support further stabilization. This should enable stock rebuilding ahead of the festive, winter, and subsequent summer demand periods, thereby reducing the number of plants in the critical category. The Ministry of Coal is coordinating closely with the Ministries of Railways and Power to actively monitor supplies and logistics to ensure coal availability does not constrain power generation anywhere in the country.