Mumbai, Nov. 10 -- Coal India reported that its coal supplies to the power sector rose 19 per cent year on year to 57.1 mn t in October, the highest monthly level in its history. The state-run producer had supplied 48 mn t to the sector in October 2025, while the previous monthly record of 56.5 mn t was set in May 2024.
The record was achieved despite unseasonal rainfall, the Puja festivities and disruption caused by a cyclone. It comes amid pressure to replenish stocks at thermal power plants, with 85 of 176 domestic coal-based power plants reporting critically low inventories as of October 25. These plants have a combined installed capacity of about 207 GW.
Coal India's production also reached a monthly record, rising 19.3 per cent year on year to 67.2 mn t in October FY27. All of its coal-producing subsidiaries, except Northern Coalfields, recorded production growth. Northern Coalfields' output declined 4.3 per cent to 11.4 mn t, while Mahanadi Coalfields and South Eastern Coalfields increased production by 25.34 per cent and 17.4 per cent to 20.8 mn t and 14.3 mn t, respectively.
The company's total coal offtake rose 18.7 per cent year on year to 70.3 mn t, exceeding the previous monthly record of 69.4 mn t achieved in March 2026. Mahanadi Coalfields crossed the 20 mn t monthly supply mark for the first time, contributing to the overall increase. Coal India said stronger production and offtake could support inventory accumulation at power plants and mine heads.
E-auction demand remained firm, with 91 per cent of the 12.92 mn t offered through the single-window mode-agnostic route allocated during October. The company allocated 11.8 mn t, while the premium over notified prices reached 140 per cent. Average power-sector railway loading stood at 310 rakes a day, surpassing the previous monthly record of 302.8 rakes a day set in March 2025.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.