At 55 MT, month-end coal stocks at thermal units below norm

DOMESTIC COAL-BASED THERMAL power plants across India are expected to report combined coal stocks of 55 million tonne (MT) by March 31, up from 47 MT recorded a year ago, sources told FE.

- ARUNIMA BHARADWAJ

DOMESTIC COAL-BASED THERMAL power plants across India are expected to report combined coal stocks of 55 million tonne (MT) by March 31, up from 47 MT recorded a year ago, sources told FE. While these levels are considered adequate to prevent disruptions in plant operations, the current stocks are still below the normative requirement of 67.29 MT for this time of year.

The coal ministry is focused on ensuring a sufficient coal supply to meet the rising power demand and remains optimistic about a 6-7% growth in coal production in the upcoming fiscal year.

"When we began FY25, coal stocks at power plants stood at 47 MT on April 1, 2024. We expect to close the year with 55 MT of coal stocks by March 31. We have supplied more coal to the power sector than required," an official said.