In a statement, the ministry said daily supplies of coal to power plants are now higher than demand. After a long rain spell in early October in coal-producing states, production has picked up in the last 10 days. Total production from all sources in the last 10 days is over 2.6 million tonnes per day, it said

“As on 21.10.2023, total coal stock is 71.35 million tonnes (including coal at mine pithead, transit and thermal power plants) as against total stock of 60.44 MT during the corresponding period of last year, which is 18.05% higher,” the statement said.

It noted that production and transportation are usually lower in the first half of the financial year. The stock at pitheads and at thermal power plants gets depleted in the first half. The second half sees an improvement because production conditions are favourable after the monsoon.

“During H2 the supply is higher than the consumption, therefore, during the second half of the year, there is build up in the coal stock at power plants and at mines pithead. despite extreme high demand of power, ministry of coal has maintained adequate availability of coal at all thermal power plants in the country,” it said.

The ministry said it has ensured higher coal production during the festive season when the power demand also increases by offering higher wages to contract workers.

As of 21 October, coal production in the country had shown a growth of 12.73% compared to the same period in the last fiscal year. Production grew by 11.80% at Coal India Ltd, 8.45% at SCCL and 20.50% in captive and commercial mines.

During this period, India imported 13.5 million tonnes of coal as against 20.8 million tonnes a year ago, a decrease of 35% in coal imported for blending purposes.

“Ministry of coal has planned to ensure 40 million tonnes of closing stock at pithead plants of thermal power and more than 75 million tonnes at mine end as on 31st March, 2024. Ministry of Coal is committed to ensure adequate availability of Coal and is in close coordination with ministry of railways and power.” it said.

Earlier in October, the supplies to thermal plants were declining amid rains in eastern part of the country and logistical constraints. Supply concerns were raised ahead of the festive demand for power. The peak power demand this year reached a record level of 234 GW in August, way above the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) projection of 230 GW for this year.

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Updated: 23 Oct 2023, 10:26 PM IST