Coal stocks at Indian power plants stabilize above 18 MT

Coal stocks at domestic thermal power plants have remained stable above 18 million tonnes (MT) since late September 2026. According to the Ministry of Coal, inventories stood at 18.205 MT on October 10, 2026, down from 18.932 MT on September 29.

The rate of stock depletion has slowed significantly in October compared to September. In September, inventories declined by approximately 7.28 MT, averaging a daily depletion of 0.24 MT. During the first ten days of October, the total decline was limited to 0.56 MT, an average daily depletion of just 0.06 MT.

This stabilization is attributed to strengthened supplies and improved railway logistics. Average daily railway rake loading for the power sector increased to 469 rakes per day between October 1 and October 10, up from 426 per day in September. Consequently, the actual daily coal supply averaged 2.49 MT in October, compared to 2.21 MT in September. The Ministry of Coal is coordinating with Coal India Limited, SCCL, and the Ministry of Railways to monitor critical stations and redistribute coal to vulnerable plants to ensure uninterrupted electricity generation.