Mumbai, Oct. 14 -- Coal supplies to Indian power plants rose by 9 per cent in October compared with September and were about 36 per cent higher than the September low, according to an official statement. The Ministry of Coal said supplies were stabilising as rail loading increased and coal was redistributed to stations requiring additional fuel.
Rail loading averaged more than 465 rakes per day during October. The 470-rake target was achieved on three consecutive days, while supplies transported by other modes, including road, also improved. The ministry said the stronger logistics position was supporting uninterrupted power generation.
The daily depletion of coal stocks fell by more than half, from 0.243 mn t per day in September to 0.116 mn t per day in October. Although stock rebuilding has not yet begun, the ministry said the rate of drawdown indicated that the overall position was stabilising.
The ministry clarified that the critical stock classification is a norm-based early warning measure for plants holding less than their prescribed normative stock. Inclusion on the list does not mean that a plant has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown. The number of plants with critical stocks is being monitored, with requirement-based redistribution planned for vulnerable stations.
The Ministry of Coal is coordinating with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power to monitor supplies and logistics. With the monsoon receding and peak demand expected to moderate by mid-October, sustained loading of 465 to 475 rakes per day is intended to support further stabilisation and allow stock rebuilding before the festive, winter and subsequent summer demand periods.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.