Power plants' coal stocks stabilise as supplies improve in October

Coal stocks at power generating stations have eased pressure in October following improved rake loading and supply operations, according to the Ministry of Power. The stabilisation marks a turnaround from earlier months when inventory depletion had raised concerns about power supply security across the country.

Despite the improvement, the situation remains fragile. Data from the ministry indicates that 87 thermal power plants are still operating with critically low coal reserves, indicating that supply chains have not fully normalised. These plants continue to face vulnerability to any further disruptions in logistics or coal dispatch from mining regions.

The recovery in coal stocks has been driven primarily by enhanced rake availability and improved loading efficiency at collieries. Better coordination between Coal India Limited and railway authorities has facilitated smoother movement of fuel to power stations, helping replenish reserves that had depleted significantly during previous months.

The ministry has stressed the need for sustained momentum in supply chain operations to prevent a recurrence of coal scarcity at power plants. Officials are monitoring inventory levels closely as the country heads into the winter months, when electricity demand typically rises due to increased heating requirements across northern and eastern regions.