NEW DELHI, March 20: Coal continues to play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, even as the country expands its renewable energy capacity, with production and stock levels remaining aligned with rising demand.
According to the Ministry of Coal, coal remains essential for providing reliable baseload power and supporting key industries such as steel and cement, which are central to economic growth.
Coal production is being maintained to match consumer demand, with adequate stocks being built up at mine sites. Officials said this has been supported by efficient transportation, particularly through the rail network.
At Coal India Limited, pithead coal stock has increased from 106.78 million tonnes (MT) as on April 1, 2025, to about 125.54 MT as of March 18, 2026. Additional stocks include around 5.75 MT at Singareni Collieries Company Limited mines, 15.75 MT at captive and commercial mines, about 12 MT in transit, and 5.49 MT at ports and sidings.
This is in addition to approximately 53.41 MT of coal available at thermal power plants, sufficient for nearly 23 days at current consumption levels.
To ensure steady supply to all consumer segments, including small and medium industries, Coal India Limited has scheduled 29 e-auctions in March 2026, offering about 23.56 MT of coal. Of these, five auctions conducted since March 12 have seen 31.96 lakh tonnes booked against 73.1 lakh tonnes offered.
The company is also facilitating coal supply through State Nominated Agencies (SNAs) and coordinating with state governments to meet additional requirements and prevent shortages.
Officials said the government remains committed to ensuring reliable coal availability through policy support, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination, with the aim of meeting growing energy needs and supporting the vision of a developed India by 2047.
