The coal stock at 136 power plants with 1,66,109 MW capacity and linked to coal companies has reached 16.63 Million Tonnes (MT).
The coal stock at power plants has increased from 7.2 MT on 8 October to 16.63 MT as of 24 November and is sufficient for nine days’ requirement.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, in a written reply in RajyaSabha.
“There is neither a power crisis nor coal shortage. The coal supply to power plants in the month of November 2021 is more than the consumption, resulting in an increase in coal stock at power plants. This trend is likely to continue in the coming months,” the Ministry of Coal said.
Recently, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi urged Coal India Ltd (CIL) and its subsidiaries to make all-out efforts to ensure at least 18 days’ coal stock with thermal power plants by November end.
He directed the CMDs of coal PSUs to formulate revised targets and detailed strategies to attain this goal, the Coal Ministry said in a statement.
The minister pointed out that international coal prices have increased more than three times recently, which resulted in a 38 per cent decrease in coal imports to India. At the same time, electricity demand has gone up by more than 24 per cent, indicative of robust economic growth.
Complimenting the dedicated workforce of CIL, Joshi recalled his recent visits to coal mines in different parts of the country. He said that even during lockdown days due to Covid-19, coal warriors worked round the clock to ensure the nation’s energy security.