India’s coal supply to power plants has improved in October 2026, with daily deliveries rising around 36% from September’s low. The Ministry of Coal said supplies have strengthened and the rate of stock depletion has slowed, although power plants have yet to begin rebuilding their coal inventories.
In a statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on October 9, the ministry addressed concerns over low coal stocks at power stations and the possibility of electricity shortages. It clarified that the classification of a plant as having “critical stock” indicates that its inventory has fallen below a prescribed threshold, rather than confirming an actual fuel shortage or an imminent shutdown.
Coal Supplies and Rail Loading Improve in October
Daily coal supplies to the power sector averaged around 9% higher in October than in September. Rail transportation has also strengthened, with coal loading averaging more than 465 rakes per day during October. The target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days.
The ministry said deliveries through other transportation methods, including road, have also increased. These improvements have helped slow the decline in coal inventories at power plants.
Daily Coal Stock Depletion Falls by More Than Half
The daily drawdown of coal stocks at domestic coal-based (DCB) power plants fell from 0.243 million tonnes per day in September to 0.116 million tonnes per day in October. This represents a reduction of more than half in the daily rate of depletion.
However, the ministry said stock levels have not yet started recovering. The number of power plants classified as having critical stocks is being monitored, and coal is being redistributed according to requirements to support stations facing greater pressure.
Ministry Monitors Supplies Ahead of Demand Periods
The Ministry of Coal said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power to maintain coal availability and prevent supply constraints from affecting electricity generation.
With the monsoon season receding and peak power demand historically expected to moderate by mid-October, the ministry said sustained rail loading of 465–475 rakes per day should help stabilise supplies and allow coal stocks to rebuild ahead of the festive season, winter and the following summer demand period.
Q1. Why has coal supply to power plants increased in October 2026?
The Ministry of Coal reported improved daily supplies, stronger rail loading and better deliveries through other transportation methods, including road.
Q2. How much has coal supply to power plants increased?
Daily supplies to the power sector have risen around 36% from September’s low. October supplies averaged around 9% higher than September.
Q3. How many coal rakes were loaded per day in October?
Rail loading averaged more than 465 rakes per day in October. The target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days.
Q4. Have coal stocks at power plants started recovering?
No. The Ministry of Coal said the rate of stock depletion has slowed significantly, but stock rebuilding has yet to begin.
Q5. What does critical coal stock mean for a power plant?
It means the plant’s coal inventory has fallen below its prescribed normative threshold. According to the ministry, this classification is an early warning and does not mean the plant has run out of coal or faces an imminent shutdown.
