Coal stocks at power plants hold above 18 MT as October supplies firm up
Synopsis
India's coal ministry says stocks at thermal power plants have held above 18 MT since late September, with the daily depletion rate dropping from 0.24 MT in September to just 0.06 MT in early October — a 75% slowdown driven by a 10% jump in rake loading. It is a notable stabilisation after a month of heavy drawdowns.
Key Takeaways
Coal stocks at domestic thermal power plants have remained above 18 MT since 29 September 2026 , per the Ministry of Coal .
Stocks stood at 18.932 MT on 29 September and 18.205 MT on 10 October 2026 .
Daily depletion fell from 0.24 MT in September to 0.06 MT in early October — a roughly 75% reduction .
Rake loading to the power sector rose 10% to an average of 469 rakes per day in October, up from 426 in September.
Actual coal supply averaged 2.49 MT per day in October, exceeding the plan of 2.37 MT per day on nine of the first ten days.
Coal India Limited (CIL) , SCCL , and Indian Railways are cited as key partners in sustaining coal evacuation.
Coal stocks at India's domestic coal-based thermal power plants have remained stable above 18 million tonnes (MT) since 29 September 2026, the Ministry of Coal said in an official statement on Monday, 12 October 2026. The ministry noted that the pace of stock depletion has eased sharply in October 2026 as coal supplies to the power sector strengthen.
Stock Levels: Where Things Stand
According to the ministry's statement, coal stocks at thermal power plants stood at 18.932 MT on 29 September 2026 and remained at 18.205 MT on 10 October 2026. The ministry further recorded marginal stock accretion on two dates in October — 0.024 MT on 2 October and 0.017 MT on 10 October — signalling that supplies are broadly keeping pace with daily consumption at plants across the country.
Depletion Rate Falls Sharply in October
The contrast with September's numbers is stark. In September 2026, coal stocks at power plants fell by approximately 7.28 MT over the entire month — an average daily depletion of about 0.24 MT. In the first ten days of October 2026, total stock declined by only about 0.56 MT, averaging a far lower 0.06 MT per day. That represents a roughly 75% reduction in the daily depletion rate between September and the opening fortnight of October.
Higher Rake Loading Drives the Turnaround
The ministry attributed the improvement to higher rake loading to the power sector. Rakes loaded averaged 469 per day between 1 and 10 October 2026, up from 426 per day in September — an increase of about 10%. Daily rake loading in October has ranged between 447 and 482 rakes. As a result, actual coal supply to the power sector averaged 2.49 MT per day in October, compared with 2.21 MT per day in September. Actual supply exceeded the plan of 2.37 MT per day on nine of the first ten days of October.
Monitoring of Critical Plants Continues
The ministry said supply to plants with critically low stocks is being closely monitored, with requirement-based redistribution of coal to vulnerable stations to ensure uninterrupted power generation. The Ministry of Coal said it continues to work in close coordination with Coal India Limited (CIL), SCCL, the Ministry of Railways, and power utilities to sustain coal evacuation and supply. The ministry specifically acknowledged the role of Indian Railways in facilitating efficient coal movement to thermal stations.
Why This Matters for Power Supply
Adequate coal stocks at thermal plants are a direct buffer against power outages, particularly as industrial demand remains elevated heading into the winter months. India's thermal power fleet, which accounts for the bulk of the country's electricity generation, is heavily dependent on timely coal evacuation from pitheads to plant yards. The improvement in October's supply metrics — coming after a period of above-average depletion in September — provides a degree of near-term comfort to grid managers. All eyes will now be on whether the higher rake-loading pace can be sustained through the remainder of October and into November.
Point of View
But one fortnight of improved loading does not erase the structural vulnerability exposed by September's 7.28 MT drawdown. India's thermal fleet has repeatedly flirted with critical stock levels in recent years, and the real test is whether coordination between Coal India, Railways, and power utilities can be sustained — not just announced. The ministry's acknowledgement of 'critical stock' plants being individually monitored is a quiet admission that the system is still not uniformly comfortable. Policymakers would do well to publish plant-level stock data regularly rather than aggregate figures, which can obscure pockets of genuine stress.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current coal stock level at Indian power plants?
As of 10 October 2026 , coal stocks at India's domestic coal-based thermal power plants stood at 18.205 MT , according to the Ministry of Coal. Stocks have remained above 18 MT continuously since 29 September 2026 .
Why have coal stocks stabilised in October 2026?
The stabilisation is driven by higher rake loading to the power sector, which averaged 469 rakes per day in the first ten days of October — up 10% from 426 per day in September. This pushed actual coal supply to an average of 2.49 MT per day , exceeding the plan on nine of ten days.
How bad was the coal stock depletion in September 2026?
In September 2026, coal stocks at power plants fell by approximately 7.28 MT over the month, averaging a daily depletion of about 0.24 MT . That compares with a much lower average of 0.06 MT per day in the first ten days of October — a roughly 75% slowdown .
Which agencies are responsible for managing coal supply to power plants?
The Ministry of Coal coordinates with Coal India Limited (CIL) , SCCL , the Ministry of Railways , and power utilities to ensure sustained coal evacuation and supply. The ministry has specifically acknowledged Indian Railways for its role in efficient coal movement.
Are all thermal power plants receiving adequate coal?
Not uniformly. The Ministry of Coal said supply to plants with 'critical stocks' is being closely monitored, with requirement-based redistribution of coal to vulnerable stations. The government says this is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power generation across the fleet.
