India's Domestic Coal Reserves Surpass 210 MT, Lasting 88 Days
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The government announced on Wednesday that the production and distribution of domestic coal have consistently exceeded consumption rates this year, leading to an unprecedented accumulation of coal reserves at both mines and thermal power facilities.
The Coal Ministry reported that the total coal inventory in the nation has reached approximately 210 million tonnes (MT), which can satisfy the energy needs for about 88 days based on current consumption levels.
Specifically, the coal reserves at Coal India Limited (CIL) mines were recorded at 106.78 MT on April 1, 2025, and have risen to 121.39 MT as of March 9, 2026.
In addition, around 6 MT of coal is stored at the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), while another 15.12 MT is retained at various captive and commercial mines, as reported by the government.
Approximately 14 MT of coal is currently en route, bringing the total reserves at mines and throughout the supply chain to a historic high of 156.58 MT, according to the ministry.
This total includes the 54.05 MT of coal available at thermal power plants as of March 9, which can sustain operations for nearly 24 days of usage.
Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that coal deliveries to the non-regulated sector have surged by nearly 14 percent compared to the prior year.
Coal production remains steady, contributing to elevated stock levels at the mines while ensuring adequate supply for consumers, facilitated by logistical support from the railways, as per the ministry's statement.
The Ministry of Coal emphasized its commitment to fostering a stable and performance-oriented environment through strategic policy support, vigilant monitoring, and active collaboration with stakeholders.
The government's initiatives are designed to ensure dependable coal availability, facilitate uninterrupted operations across critical sectors, and address the nation’s escalating energy demands, all contributing to the long-term vision of establishing a Viksit Bharat 2047.