The Ministry of Coal announced on 12 October 2026 that coal stocks at India’s thermal power plants have remained stable and above 18 million tonnes since late September. This stability marks an improvement in the nation’s coal supply position, with the depletion rate slowing considerably in early October as coal supplies from mines and railways increase.
Key facts
- Coal stocks stood at 18.205 MT on 10 October 2026, down from 18.932 MT on 29 September 2026
- In September 2026, stocks declined by 7.28 MT over the full month, averaging 0.24 MT per day
- In the first ten days of October 2026, stocks declined by only 0.56 MT total, averaging 0.06 MT per day
- Daily rake loading averaged 469 rakes per day in October (1-10 October), up from 426 rakes per day in September, a 10 percent increase
- Actual coal supply to power plants averaged 2.49 MT per day in October 2026, compared to 2.21 MT per day in September
- October supply exceeded the plan of 2.37 MT per day on nine of the ten days measured
- Stock accretion occurred on 2 October (0.024 MT) and 10 October (0.017 MT)
What coal stocks mean for power supply
Coal stocks at thermal power plants are a critical indicator of India’s electricity supply security. When stocks are adequate and stable, power plants can maintain continuous generation without facing shortages or shutdowns. The Ministry of Coal monitors these levels closely to ensure that the nation’s power sector does not face fuel disruptions that could lead to power cuts or reduced availability.
How supplies have improved
The slowdown in coal depletion from September to October reflects higher coal evacuation from mines to power plants. Coal India Limited and the South Eastern Coalfields Limited, the country’s major coal producers, have increased output delivery. More importantly, Indian Railways has significantly boosted the movement of coal by raising daily rake loading by approximately 10 percent between the two months. A rake is a railway train carrying coal. The higher number of rakes loaded each day translates directly into more coal arriving at power plants daily.
In September, power plants consumed coal faster than fresh supplies arrived, leading to a net decline of 7.28 MT over the month. By October, the faster replenishment has reversed this trend. Although stocks have still declined slightly in the first ten days of October, the rate has dropped dramatically to just 0.56 MT—nearly thirteen times slower than September’s depletion rate. On two dates in October, stocks actually increased, showing that on some days, fresh arrivals exceeded consumption.
Exceeding the supply plan
The Ministry stated that actual coal supply in October exceeded the planned supply target on nine out of ten days measured. The daily supply plan was 2.37 MT per day, but actual supply averaged 2.49 MT per day. This consistent over-performance against targets suggests that the coordination between coal producers, railways, and power utilities is working effectively. The Ministry specifically acknowledged Indian Railways’ contribution in “facilitating the efficient movement of coal.”
What this means for you
Stable coal stocks translate into reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses. Citizens and small industries depend on uninterrupted power for daily activities. Power utilities can maintain generation capacity without unexpected cuts when coal is available. The improvement in October 2026 suggests that the risk of power shortages in thermal generation has diminished. Students preparing for competitive exams should note that coal security remains a key infrastructure challenge for India’s energy security strategy.
Ongoing coordination
The Ministry of Coal continues to work with Coal India Limited, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, the Ministry of Railways, and power utilities to sustain this improvement. The Ministry also noted that coal supplies to plants with critical stock levels are “being closely monitored” and that coal is being “requirement-based redistributed to vulnerable stations.” This targeted approach ensures that even plants facing acute shortages receive adequate supplies to maintain operations.