New Delhi: Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants in India have remained above 18 million tonnes (MT) since September 29, 2026, as stronger supplies and increased railway rake loading have slowed the pace of depletion in October. According to the Ministry of Coal, coal inventories stood at 18.932 MT on September 29 and 18.205 MT on October 10, 2026.
The stabilisation indicates that coal supplies have broadly kept pace with daily consumption at power plants. The ministry is also closely monitoring stations with critically low stocks and redistributing coal according to their requirements to maintain adequate fuel availability and support uninterrupted electricity generation.
Coal Stocks Remain Above 18 Million Tonnes
The Ministry of Coal reported that inventories at domestic coal-based power plants have remained above the 18 MT mark since September 29, 2026. Although stocks declined during the reported period, the pace of depletion slowed considerably in October.
Key coal stock figures:
- September 29, 2026: 18.932 MT
- October 10, 2026: 18.205 MT
- Total decline between these dates: 0.727 MT
The ministry also recorded increases in coal stocks on two days in October 2026:
- October 2: Stock accretion of 0.024 MT
- October 10: Stock accretion of 0.017 MT
These daily increases indicate that coal receipts exceeded consumption on those particular dates, helping support the overall stabilisation of inventories.
Coal Stock Depletion Slows in October 2026
Coal stock depletion at power plants has eased significantly compared with September, according to the ministry.
During September 2026, coal stocks declined by approximately 7.28 MT over the month, representing an average daily reduction of around 0.24 MT. In comparison, stocks fell by only about 0.56 MT during the first ten days of October, averaging approximately 0.06 MT per day.
Monthly comparison of coal stock depletion:
- September 2026: 7.28 MT decline over the month, averaging 0.24 MT per day.
- October 1–10, 2026: 0.56 MT decline, averaging 0.06 MT per day.
The slower depletion rate reflects improved coal availability and stronger dispatches to thermal power plants. It also suggests that supplies have moved closer to matching daily fuel consumption.
Higher Railway Rake Loading Strengthens Coal Supply
Increased railway rake loading has played a significant role in improving coal supplies to the power sector.
According to the Ministry of Coal, an average of 469 rakes per day was loaded for the power sector between October 1 and October 10, 2026. This was higher than the average of 426 rakes per day recorded in September, marking an increase of approximately 10%.
Daily rake loading during the first ten days of October ranged between 447 and 482 rakes.
Railway rake loading highlights:
- October 1–10 average: 469 rakes per day
- September average: 426 rakes per day
- Increase: Approximately 10%
- Daily loading range in October: 447–482 rakes
Higher rake loading has supported the movement of coal from production and supply centres to thermal power plants, helping improve fuel availability and reduce pressure on existing stocks.
Daily Coal Supply Rises to 2.49 MT
Actual coal supply to the power sector increased in October 2026 compared with September, according to the ministry.
Coal supply averaged 2.49 MT per day during the reported October period, compared with 2.21 MT per day in September. This represents an increase of approximately 12.7% in average daily supply.
The ministry also reported that coal supply exceeded the planned level of 2.37 MT per day on nine out of the ten days covered by its comparison.
Daily coal supply figures:
- October 2026 average: 2.49 MT per day
- September 2026 average: 2.21 MT per day
- Planned daily supply: 2.37 MT
- Supply exceeded the plan: Nine out of ten reported days
The higher supply rate has helped slow the depletion of coal inventories and maintain stocks above 18 MT at domestic coal-based power plants.
The Ministry of Coal’s statement refers to coal supply during October up to October 10, 2026. The specific reference to October 26 in the supplied text appears inconsistent with this reporting period and should be verified against the original release before publication.
Ministry Monitors Critical Coal Stocks at Power Plants
The Ministry of Coal is closely monitoring power plants with critically low coal inventories to ensure that vulnerable stations receive adequate supplies.
The ministry said coal is being redistributed according to individual plant requirements to support fuel availability and prevent disruptions to electricity generation.
It is working in coordination with the following stakeholders:
- Coal India Limited (CIL)
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
- Ministry of Railways
- Power utilities
This coordinated approach aims to maintain steady coal evacuation, improve transportation efficiency and ensure adequate inventories at thermal power plants across the country.
The ministry also acknowledged and appreciated the continued support and professional commitment of Indian Railways in facilitating the efficient movement of coal.
Improved Coal Availability Supports Thermal Power Generation
The stabilisation of coal stocks and the increase in daily supply indicate an improvement in fuel availability at domestic coal-based power plants during October 2026.
Higher railway rake loading, stronger coal dispatches and coordination between coal producers, railway authorities and power utilities have contributed to the slower rate of stock depletion.
Continued monitoring of critical inventories and requirement-based redistribution will remain important for maintaining adequate coal supplies and supporting reliable electricity generation.
About Coal India Limited
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a government-owned coal mining company under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. It is one of the country’s major coal producers and supplies coal to thermal power plants and several industrial sectors. Through its mining operations and distribution network, CIL plays a significant role in meeting India’s domestic coal demand and supporting its energy security.
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