Coal Stock at Power Plants Expected to Reach 39 Million Tonnes by August End, Says Ministry

Coal Stock Levels: The Coal Ministry predicts that domestic coal-based power plants will have 39 million tonnes of coal stock by the end of August and 34 million tonnes by the end of September, according to Secretary Amrit Lal Meena.

Improved Stock Levels: These projected stock levels are significantly higher than last year, with a 39.2% increase for August and a 57% rise for September. This is crucial during the monsoon season when coal transportation can be challenging.

Current Stock: Currently, power plants have 43.7 million tonnes of coal, enough to last about 19 days.

Ongoing Production: The increase in stock levels is due to higher production and dispatch of coal, which remains a key fuel for electricity generation in India.

Future Outlook: By mid-October, when the monsoon season ends, stocks are expected to be over 30 million tonnes, compared to 18.75 million tonnes at the same time last year. The second half of the year typically sees higher coal production, which will help replenish stocks.

Production Targets: The Coal Ministry aims to produce 1.08 billion tonnes of coal in FY25 and 1.5 billion tonnes by FY30. In FY24, domestic coal production rose by 11.65% to 997.26 million tonnes. In the current financial year up to July 2024, production increased by 9.6% compared to the same period last year, reaching 321.41 million tonnes.

Coal Imports: The ministry also expects that some coal imports can be reduced as domestic production increases and becomes more cost-effective. Commercial coal mines have also contributed, with a 35% year-on-year increase in production, reaching 39.53 million tonnes in the first quarter of this financial year.