Coal India says 168 MT coal available to meet summer demand

Coal India Limited (CIL) has stated that a total coal availability of 168 million tonnes (MT) exists within the system, aiming to reassure power producers and markets amid rising electricity demand during the summer season.

The statement follows a sharp increase in daily coal consumption by thermal power plants across the country.

Stock position

According to a company release issued on May 26, coal stock at domestic coal-based power plants stood at 47.6 MT as of May 23.

CIL said inventory at its mine heads reached 113.5 MT as of May 24, which is 10% higher compared to the corresponding period last year. The company stated that the available stock is sufficient to meet around 19 days of consumption.

In addition, nearly 3 MT of coal is currently available at transit points, including goods sheds, private washeries, and ports. Another 4 MT is estimated to be in transit through railway rakes at any point in time.

With these volumes combined, the company said the total coal available within the system stands at 168 MT.

Summer demand

CIL said lower coal inventory levels at thermal power plants during peak summer months are a normal seasonal trend and should not be viewed as a supply shortage situation.

The company also highlighted that around 50 MT of in-situ mine coal is available for faster extraction and dispatch if demand rises further.

Critical plants

As of May 20, a total of 21 power plants were classified under criticality, of which 11 were domestic coal-based plants. Among these, seven plants receive coal supplies from CIL.

The company said it has been regularly communicating with power generators to maintain higher stock levels ahead of peak demand periods, especially for plants located in areas with logistical constraints.

CIL added that it has sufficient coal availability to support the generation requirements of domestic coal-based power plants.

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