CIL offers extra fuel, 57 plants now report critically low stock

Coal India Limited (CIL) has extended additional coal supplies to power plants experiencing critical low stock levels, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on September 4. The number of plants facing this issue has risen to 57, with only 27.1 million tonnes of coal available, representing 47% of the recommended requirement of 57.7 million tonnes.

Of the 190 coal-fired power plants, 50 have less than 25% of the coal needed. The coal ministry anticipates an improvement due to easing rains in coal-producing regions and increased production from CIL mines. Despite July and August's prolonged rainfall, CIL maintained a steady supply. In April-August of this fiscal year, CIL supplied 322.9 million tonnes of coal, a 6.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Power sector supplies in August 2026 rose 4.5% to 48.46 million tonnes. CIL holds a 76 million tonne stock cushion at its mines, with 46 million tonnes of ready-to-mine coal. The drying of wet coal beds and restoration of submerged coal seams have improved production, which increased from 1.4 million tonnes on the rain-affected first few days of September to nearly 1.7 million tonnes by September 4.