Coal deliveries to Indian power plants jump 36% as inventory drawdown eases

According to the Coal Ministry, coal supplies to the power sector have risen by about 36% compared with the September minimum. The daily drawdown of coal stocks dropped from 0.243 MT in September to 0.116 MT in October, signalling a marked slowdown in depletion. Rail logistics have strengthened, with daily loading exceeding 465 rakes and the 470-rake benchmark achieved on three consecutive days, while road transport volumes have also improved.

The ministry addressed media concerns about potential power shortages, explaining that the "critical stock" designation merely flags plants that fall below a normative threshold and does not imply an immediate fuel crisis. Overall, the stock position is stabilising, though rebuilding has not yet begun.