The coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants have remained stable above 18 million tonnes (MT) since 29 September 2026. Stock was 18.932 MT on 29 September and is at 18.205 MT on 10 October 2026. The stabilisation reflects coal supplies keeping pace with daily consumption at power plants and the supply to the plants with critical stocks is being closely monitored, with requirement-based redistribution of coal to vulnerable stations to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted power generation.
Stock accretion was recorded on two dates in October 2026:
The pace of depletion has eased considerably in October compared to September:
In September 2026, stock declined by about 7.28 MT over the month, an average of about 0.24 MT per day.
In the first ten days of October 2026, stock declined by only about 0.56 MT in total, an average of about 0.06 MT per day.
Higher rake loading has driven this improvement. Rakes loaded to the power sector averaged 469 rakes per day in October 2026 (1–10 October), against 426 rakes per day in September 2026, an increase of about 10%. Daily rake loading in October has ranged between 447 and 482 rakes.
As a result, actual coal supply to the power sector averaged 2.49 MT per day in October 2026, against 2.21 MT per day in September 2026. The actual coal supply in October 26 (till 10.10.2026) is higher than supply plan of 2.37 MT per day, and supply exceeded the plan on nine of the ten days.
The Ministry continues to work in close coordination with Coal India Limited (CIL), SCCL, the Ministry of Railways and power utilities to ensure sustained coal evacuation and supply, thereby maintaining adequate coal stocks at thermal power plants. The Ministry of Coal duly acknowledges and appreciates the continued support and professional commitment of Indian Railways in facilitating the efficient movement of coal.