During the current fiscal year, as of October 28, 2023, coal production in the country has exhibited a growth of 12.81% when contrasted with the corresponding period of the previous year. Notably, Coal India Limited (CIL) experienced growth of 11.90%, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) at 7.82%, and captive & commercial mines at 20.94%.
In general, the overall supply has manifested an 11.70% growth, while the supply to the Power Sector has recorded a 7.87% increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
The Ministry of Coal has implemented proactive measures to bolster coal production in select coal companies that benefit from superior railway evacuation logistics, including the commissioned Dedicated Freight Corridors. Companies such as ECL, BCCL, CCL, and WCL have observed significant growth percentages of 18.70%, 17.60%, 13.90%, and 18.00%, respectively.
Following an exceptional spell of rainfall in coal-producing states during early October, the coal production has gained momentum in the past 15 days. Notably, the cumulative production from all sources in this recent 15-day period has exceeded 26.40 lakh tonnes per day.
Furthermore, as of October 28, 2023, the collective coal stock at the mining sites of CIL, SCCL, captive mines, and coal in transit stands at 53.23 million tonnes (MT), signifying a substantial increase of 42.32% compared to the 37.40 MT recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
Throughout this period, the consumption of imported coal for blending purposes amounted to 13.5 MT, reflecting a notable decline of 35% in comparison to the 20.8 MT consumed during the corresponding period of the previous year.
The previous downward trend in coal stocks at thermal power plants has reversed, with the latest data over the last 10 days revealing an accumulation trend. This indicates that the supply or receipt of coal at the thermal power plants has surpassed the consumption, leading to an overall increase in stock at the thermal power end, including both Central Gencos and State Gencos.
Typically, in the first half of the year, coal production and transportation tend to be lower due to the prevalence of the summer season followed by the monsoon. Post-monsoon, favorable conditions facilitate increased production and transportation, leading to a surplus of coal supply compared to consumption in the second half of the year. Consequently, during this latter period, there is an accumulation of coal stock at both power plants and mines’ pitheads.
Ministry of Coal is committed to ensure adequate availability of Coal and is in close coordination with Ministry of Railways & Power.
