New Delhi: Coal supplies to power plants across India have gathered pace in October, with daily deliveries to the power sector rising by around 36% from the September low, according to the Ministry of Coal. The improvement comes amid media reports raising concerns about the risk of power shortages due to declining coal inventories at thermal power plants.
The Ministry clarified that plants classified under the “critical stock” category have coal inventories below prescribed normative thresholds. This classification serves as an early-warning mechanism and does not necessarily mean a plant has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown.
Daily coal supplies in October have averaged around 9% higher than in September, while the rate of stock depletion has slowed significantly. The Ministry said supplies, rail logistics and coal redistribution are being closely monitored to support uninterrupted electricity generation across the country.
Coal Supplies Improve as October Deliveries Gather Pace
The Ministry of Coal said daily supplies to the power sector have improved substantially since reaching a low in September.
Key developments include:
- Daily coal supplies have risen by around 36% from the September low.
- Average daily supplies in October are around 9% higher than in September.
- Rail loading has strengthened, averaging more than 465 rakes per day in October.
- The target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days.
- Supplies through other transportation modes, including road, have also improved.
The Ministry said these developments indicate an improvement in coal movement to power plants, although the rebuilding of coal stocks has not yet started.
Read also: Coal India Coal Supplies Rise 12.5% to 61.20 MT in September 2026; Power Sector Supplies Up 10.63%
Daily Coal Stock Depletion Falls by More Than Half
The rate at which power plants are drawing down their coal inventories has slowed sharply in October.
According to the Ministry, the average daily stock drawdown at domestic coal-based (DCB) power plants declined from 0.243 million tonnes per day in September to 0.116 million tonnes per day in October.
This represents a reduction of more than half in the daily rate of stock depletion.
The moderation indicates that the coal stock position is stabilising as supplies improve. However, the Ministry clarified that stock rebuilding is yet to begin.
The government is continuing to monitor the balance between coal consumption and deliveries to ensure that power plants receive sufficient fuel to meet electricity generation requirements.
‘Critical Stock’ Classification Is an Early-Warning Mechanism
Addressing concerns about the increasing number of power plants in the critical-stock category, the Ministry said the classification is based on prescribed normative stock levels.
Plants holding coal below these thresholds are marked as critical to flag potential supply concerns at an early stage.
The Ministry emphasised that the classification is not evidence that a plant has exhausted its coal reserves or is about to stop generating electricity.
The government is closely monitoring plants with low inventories and is redistributing coal based on requirements to support vulnerable stations and maintain uninterrupted power generation.
Rail Loading Target of 465–475 Rakes Per Day
Rail transportation remains a key component of coal deliveries to thermal power plants.
The Ministry reported that rail loading averaged more than 465 rakes per day during October, with the 470-rake target achieved on three consecutive days.
It said sustained loading of around 465–475 rakes per day should help further stabilise supplies and create conditions for rebuilding coal inventories.
Coal movement through road and other transportation modes has also improved, providing additional support to power plants.
Coal Stocks Expected to Stabilise Ahead of Future Demand
The Ministry expects coal supply conditions to benefit from the receding monsoon and the anticipated moderation in peak electricity demand by mid-October, based on historical trends.
Sustained coal loading and requirement-based redistribution are expected to support further stabilisation of inventories.
The government aims to rebuild stocks ahead of the upcoming festive and winter periods, followed by the next summer demand season. Higher stock availability would help reduce the number of power plants classified under the critical-stock category and strengthen preparedness for periods of increased electricity consumption.
However, the Ministry noted that stock rebuilding has not yet begun, making continued improvement in deliveries important.
Coal, Railways and Power Ministries Coordinate on Supplies
The Ministry of Coal said it is working closely with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power to monitor coal availability, transportation and logistics.
The coordination is intended to ensure that fuel availability does not constrain electricity generation at power plants anywhere in India.
The government is tracking daily coal supplies, rail loading, stock depletion and the requirements of vulnerable stations to maintain a reliable fuel supply chain.
Read also: Coal India Records 5.5% Growth in August FY27 Coal Supplies at 60.60 MT, NRS Up 9.6%
