THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 11, 2026

India is well prepared to meet any unprecedented surge in coal demand as production and supply continue to remain higher than consumption, resulting in record-high coal stocks at thermal power plants and coal mines across the country. At the same time, supply to the Non-Regulated Sector has also witnessed a notable increase, rising by nearly 14 percent compared to the previous year.

The robust stock position reflects the steady pace of coal production and the coordinated efforts of key stakeholders to ensure energy security for the nation. The pithead coal stock at the mines of Coal India Limited (CIL) stood at 106.78 million tonnes (MT) on April 1, 2025. This has grown significantly to 121.39 MT as on March 9, 2026, demonstrating sustained output and effective supply management.

In addition, around 6.07 MT of coal is currently available at the mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Another 15.12 MT is stocked at captive and commercial coal mines, while nearly 14 MT of coal is in transit through the transportation network. Taken together, the total coal stock at mines and in transit has reached about 156.58 MT — the highest level ever recorded.

This stockpile is over and above the coal already available at thermal power plants across the country. As of March 9, 2026, power plants hold around 54.05 MT of coal, which is sufficient to meet nearly 24 days of consumption at the current rate.

Overall, the total coal stock available in the country stands at approximately 210 MT, which would be adequate to meet the country’s consumption needs for about 88 days. Such a strong reserve position ensures that India is well equipped to handle any unexpected rise in demand, particularly during peak power consumption periods.

Coal production in the country continues at a steady pace, helping build sufficient reserves at the mine end to maintain uninterrupted supply to consumers as per their requirements. The consistent output has been supported by efficient coal evacuation and logistics coordination with the Indian Railways.

The Ministry of Coal remains focused on creating a stable and performance-driven environment through continued policy facilitation, close monitoring of production and supply, and coordinated engagement with stakeholders. These efforts are aimed at ensuring reliable coal availability, supporting uninterrupted operations across key sectors, and meeting the country’s growing energy needs.

These sustained measures also align with the broader national vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with energy security playing a crucial role in driving India’s long-term economic growth and development.