Coal Stocks at Power Plants Remain Stable Above 18 MT
Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants have maintained stability above 18 million tonnes (MT) since September 29, 2026, with specific levels recorded at 18.932 MT on September 29 and 18.205 MT on October 10, 2026. This stabilization reflects coal supplies keeping pace with daily consumption at power plants, with close monitoring of plants with critical stocks and requirement-based redistribution to vulnerable stations to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted power generation.
Stock accretion occurred on two specific dates in October 2026: October 2 (0.024 MT increase) and October 10 (0.017 MT increase). The pace of stock depletion has eased considerably in October compared to September, with September seeing a decline of approximately 7.28 MT over the month (averaging 0.24 MT per day), while the first ten days of October saw a decline of only 0.56 MT total (averaging 0.06 MT per day).
This improvement is driven by higher rake loading, which averaged 469 rakes per day during October 1-10, 2026, compared to 426 rakes daily in September 2026, representing a 10% increase. Daily rake loading in October ranged between 447 and 482 rakes. As a result, actual coal supply to the power sector averaged 2.49 million tonnes per day in October, exceeding the September average of 2.21 MT per day and surpassing the supply plan of 2.37 MT per day. Supply exceeded the plan on nine of the ten days in the reported period.
The Ministry of Coal continues to work in close coordination with Coal India Limited (CIL), SCCL, the Ministry of Railways, and power utilities to ensure sustained coal evacuation and supply. The Ministry specifically acknowledges and appreciates the continued support and professional commitment of Indian Railways in facilitating the efficient movement of coal.