The Indian coal industry has recorded a 44% year-on-year growth in coal stock position as of June 13, according to the latest reports. The combined total of coal stock at mines, thermal power plants, and transit facilities reached 110.58 million tonnes, an increase from 76.67 million tonnes during the same time last year. Moreover, Coal India Limited’s pithead coal stock was 59.73 million tonnes, exhibiting an annual growth rate of 25.77% from its previous year’s count of 47.49 million tonnes.
As for coal dispatch to the power sector, 2023-24 saw the cumulative achievement of 164.84 million tonnes as of June 13, compared to last year’s 156.83 million tonnes, leading to a 5.11% surge in supply to meet the energy requirements of the power sector. Overall, coal dispatch reached 196.87 million tonnes as of June 13 for 2023-24. It translated to a growth rate of 7.71% from the previous year’s dispatch of 182.78 million tonnes.
Despite the limited functioning of the coal industry due to COVID-19 restrictions, the stocks have reached an all-time high. The consistent increase in coal stock and dispatch have encouraged the steady supply of coal to meet the energy requirements of the power sector. Although the country is gradually shifting towards renewable energy, coal still contributes significantly to India’s energy mix, necessitating its continued production and supply.
