Coal dispatches improve as power plant stock depletion slows

By Staff Report 1 October 9, 2026 6:39 pm IST

Coal supplies to power plants have risen from September lows, while stronger rail loading and slower stock depletion point to stabilisation.

The Ministry of Coal has reported an improvement in coal supplies to power plants in October 2026, following a decline in September. Daily supplies have increased by around 36 per cent from the September low, while October supplies are averaging about 9 per cent above September levels.

Rail loading has also strengthened, averaging more than 465 rakes per day in October. The target of 470 rakes was achieved on three consecutive days. Supplies through other modes, including road transport, have also improved. The daily depletion of coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants has fallen from 0.243 million tonnes per day in September to 0.116 million tonnes per day in October, a reduction of more than half. However, stock rebuilding has yet to begin.

Coal is being redistributed to vulnerable power stations based on their requirements to support adequate supplies and uninterrupted generation. The Ministry is coordinating with the Ministries of Railways and Power to monitor coal availability and logistics.

With the monsoon receding and peak power demand expected to moderate by mid-October, the Ministry expects sustained loading of 465–475 rakes per day to support further stabilisation and enable stock rebuilding ahead of the festive, winter and subsequent summer demand periods.

Source: PIB