Coal supply steady as critical stock levels rise to 82 plants, says Minister Reddy

Data released by the Central Electricity Authority indicated that 82 thermal power plants are now operating with critical coal inventories, and total coal reserves have fallen to 21.8 million tonnes, roughly 37% of the normative benchmark. This marks a sharp increase from 45 plants in a critical state on September 1, when reserves were 28.6 million tonnes (about 49%). Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy rejected claims of a coal shortage, attributing the tighter stocks to a surge in power demand that has risen between 12% and 50% and to monsoon-related disruptions that have since stabilised.

The Power Ministry is reportedly debating a proposal to require thermal plants to use imported coal to alleviate the shortfall. At a media event in Kolkata, Reddy also outlined plans for new mining and coal sector investments in West Bengal, the development of an integrated maritime corridor linking Paradip Port with Haldia and the Balagarh Inland Waterway Terminal, and a target to increase India's aluminium production capacity sixfold by 2047.