Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants have remained above 18 million tonnes (MT) since September 29, 2026, with inventories standing at 18.205 MT as of October 10, compared with 18.932 MT on September 29. The stability reflects improved coal supplies keeping pace with daily consumption, alongside close monitoring and requirement-based redistribution to power plants facing critical stock levels.

Coal inventories recorded additions on October 2 and October 10, rising by 0.024 MT and 0.017 MT, respectively. The pace of stock depletion has also slowed significantly, with inventories declining by around 0.56 MT during the first ten days of October, compared with a reduction of approximately 7.28 MT in September.

The improvement has been supported by higher coal transportation. Average daily rake loading to the power sector increased to 469 in October (October 1–10), compared with 426 in September, marking a rise of around 10%. Daily rake loading during October ranged between 447 and 482 rakes.

Meanwhile, average daily coal supply to the power sector increased to 2.49 MT in October from 2.21 MT in September. October's average supply exceeded the planned level of 2.37 MT per day, with actual supplies surpassing the target on nine out of the first ten days.

The Ministry of Coal continues to coordinate with Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the Ministry of Railways and power utilities to maintain steady coal transportation and adequate inventories at thermal power plants. The ministry also acknowledged Indian Railways' continued support in facilitating efficient coal movement and ensuring uninterrupted power generation.