Coal supply for power sector comfortable in July: Govt

The Government on Thursday said domestic coal supply for the power sector remained comfortable in July, with total stocks of about 148 million tonnes — enough to meet roughly 62 days of consumption — supported by robust growth in production, dispatch and receipts.

As on August 4, the coal stock at thermal power plants stood at 34.55 MT. In addition, about 113 MT of coal is available at pitheads and in transit, taking the total available stock to approximately 148 MT.

This is adequate to meet about 62 days of the power sector’s coal consumption requirement, providing a comfortable buffer, the coal ministry said in a statement.

The development assumes significance as during monsoon, the coal supply chain often faces disruptions due to waterlogged mines.

Domestic coal supply for the power sector remained comfortable last month, supported by strong growth in production, despatch, and receipts.

Overall coal production in July increased 7.51 per cent to 69.75 million tonnes (MT), from 64.88 MT a year earlier.  Coal despatches increased to 86.85 MT during the month against 73.58 MT in July last fiscal year.

The coal receipt at thermal power plants during July stood at 68.83 MT, as against 60.69 MT in July in the last fiscal year, registering a growth of 13.41 per cent.

“This sustained and healthy growth in supplies to the power sector underscores the ministry’s continued focus on ensuring uninterrupted coal availability to meet the nation’s energy requirements, with the continued support of Indian Railways,” the coal ministry said in a statement.

The coal ministry said it remains fully committed to ensuring uninterrupted and adequate coal supply to all consumers, particularly the power sector, to support the nation’s growing energy needs.

This sustained performance reflects the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, ensuring energy security and self-reliance for the country.

The ministry continues to closely monitor the coal supply chain to ensure that the power sector’s requirements are met without disruption.