India's total coal stock grows 25% to 147 MT: Coal Ministry

India’s total stock of coal at pit-head and on transit to thermal power plants (TPPs) reported a growth of 25 percent to 147 metric tonnes (MT) as on May 15, compared to stock of 117 MT on the same day last year, the coal ministry said.

With regards to TPP end stock, 45 MT of coal was available as on May 15, which is 29 percent higher compared to stock of 34.83 MT as on corresponding date of last year. The major coal producing PSU Coal India Limited has pithead stock of 85 MT, which is 30 percent higher compared to last year, according to official data.

“It is noteworthy that coal production during this year is growing at 7.26 percent over last year. Thermal power generation is growing at 8.78 percent and rake supply is growing at 8.45 percent. Adequate transportation arrangements are in place to meet enhanced demand of coal for increased need of thermal power for growing economy,” the coal ministry said in an official notification.

In recent sub-group meeting with state gencos at the level of inter-ministerial committee of coal, power and railways, it was concluded that adequate stock was available at all TPPs in the country, it added. Sub-group is a mechanism wherein on a weekly basis coal supply and logistics issues are discussed and resolved.