Coal miners ramp up supplies as power plants face low stocks
With 58 plants holding less than 25% of required stocks, the coal ministry is taking action to address shortages.
India is increasing coal supply to thermal power plants as inventories at numerous stations decline to critically low levels, according to state-run producers. On Sunday, Coal India Limited (CIL) loaded 444 railway rakes for the power sector. This move follows 58 thermal power plants reporting coal stocks below 25% of required levels, prompting the coal ministry to monitor the situation closely and implement corrective supply measures.
Coal loading to the power sector has risen consistently over the past four days, from 370 rakes on September 3rd to 444 rakes on September 6th, representing a daily increase of 74 rakes, with a single-day spike of 31 rakes on the 6th. This surge is attributed to the combined efforts of CIL, its subsidiaries, and captive mine operators.
The rise in coal supplies comes amid a persistent power deficit across India, particularly severe in the northern and western regions. On Sunday, the deficit stood at 20.06 million units, surpassing 27 million units on September 4th. Heightened electricity demand, exacerbated by weaker monsoon rains and increased air-conditioning use due to hotter conditions, has strained the power system.
Coal India has seen a significant boost in production, with average daily output rising by about 35% to 1.83 million tonnes on September 6th, compared to 1.36 million tonnes during the first three days of the month. This increased production is translating into higher coal dispatches to the power sector, with average daily deliveries jumping by 24% to 1.7 million tonnes on September 6th from 1.37 million tonnes during the initial three days of the month.
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