Coal stock drawdown at power plants more than halves in October, says ministry
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Daily coal stock depletion at power plants fell to 0.116 million tonnes in October from 0.243 in September, the Coal Ministry said on 9 Oct 2026.
What Happened
Coal stocks at India's power plants are falling far more slowly in October than in September, the Ministry of Coal said on Friday, 9 October 2026, but the plants have not yet begun to rebuild their inventories. According to the ministry, the average daily drawdown of coal stocks at domestic coal-based power stations fell to 0.116 million tonnes a day in October, from 0.243 million tonnes a day in September, as coal supplies and rail loading picked up. The statement came in response to media reports warning of possible power shortages because of low coal stocks at a large number of plants.
Key Facts
- Daily drawdown of coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants fell from 0.243 million tonnes in September to 0.116 million tonnes in October, a cut of more than half.
- Daily coal supplies to the power sector have risen by about 36 per cent from their September low, the ministry said.
- Average supply in October so far is about 9 per cent higher than September's average.
- Rail loading of coal has averaged more than 465 rakes a day in October, and the target of 470 rakes was met on three consecutive days.
- The ministry said the number of plants in the "critical stock" category has gone up; Central Electricity Authority data cited in reports put it at more than 80 of 191 plants in early October.
- The ministry said "critical stock" is an early-warning label based on inventory thresholds, not a sign that a plant has run out of coal or will shut down.
Why It Matters
Coal stocks at power plants are watched closely, especially ahead of the festive season when demand from homes, shops and factories rises. When stocks fall below the levels set by regulators, plants are classed as critical, and if supply does not recover in time some may have to cut output, which can lead to load-shedding in some states.
The ministry's figures suggest the worst of the depletion is over. Plants are still using more coal than they receive each day, which is why stocks continue to fall, but the gap has narrowed sharply. Better rail loading is the key reason: coal moves from mines to power stations mainly by train, and each extra rake a day adds to what plants can store.
The ministry also tried to reassure the public that a "critical" label does not mean power stations are about to go dark. The label is a warning that stocks are below the required number of days of use. However, the ministry itself said stock rebuilding has not started, so the system remains tight. Businesses that rely on steady power, from small manufacturers to cold-storage operators, will be watching whether rail loading holds up over the coming weeks.
| Measure | September | October (so far) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily stock drawdown at plants | 0.243 million tonnes | 0.116 million tonnes |
| Daily coal supply to power sector | September low | About 36 per cent above that low |
| Average rail loading | Not stated | Over 465 rakes a day |
Impact
Short-term: The risk of coal-related power cuts during the festive season appears lower than feared, but plants in the critical category will continue to receive coal on a priority basis through redistribution by the ministry.
Long-term: The episode is a reminder that India's power security depends on rail logistics as much as on mine output. Steady loading of 465 to 475 rakes a day, which the ministry expects, would be needed for plants to rebuild stocks before winter and the next peak season.
Who is affected: Power generating companies, state electricity distribution companies, Coal India and rail operators, industries that depend on reliable power, and households in states that buy power from coal plants.
Key Takeaway
The Coal Ministry said on 9 October 2026 that the daily fall in power-plant coal stocks has more than halved in October as supplies rose about 36 per cent from the September low, though stocks are not yet being rebuilt.
Questions and Answers
Is India facing a coal shortage at power plants?
Stocks are low at many plants, and the number in the critical category has increased. But the Coal Ministry said on 9 October 2026 that the daily fall in stocks has more than halved and supplies are rising, so the situation is stabilising.
What does a "critical stock" plant mean?
It means the plant's coal inventory is below the threshold set by regulators. The ministry described it as an early warning, not evidence that the plant has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown.
Why have supplies improved in October?
Mainly because more coal is moving by rail. Loading has averaged over 465 rakes a day this month, and the 470-rake target was met on three days in a row.
Will there be power cuts this festive season?
The ministry's data suggest the risk is easing, but because stocks are not yet being rebuilt, supply over the next few weeks will decide whether any state faces shortages.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
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