Coal to power sector up 21 MT this year: CoalMin

Dismissing the shortage of coal in the thermal power sector, the ministry of coal has said supply to the sector was up 21 million tonnes (mt) during April-August. “Dispatch of coal from Coal India (CIL) to the power sector during April 1 to August 22 increased to 186.92 mt, registering a growth of 13 per cent year-on-year,” said a coal ministry official. The official said coal mining and supply by CIL were at optimum levels, despite the mining industry facing tepid market situation.

“CIL dispatched over 21 mt more to the power sector during the current year and mines are still holding a stock of over 26 mt. There is no shortage of coal with CIL and supplies will get a further boost as the monsoon recedes and production picks up,” said the official. The current average coal stock stands at 13 days, as against the normative 25 days.

Talking specifically about NTPC, the national and largest thermal power producer, the coal ministry said supply to the company was at 94 per cent materialisation level, with 57.25 mt supply during April-August. NTPC recently issued two tenders to import 2.5 mt of coal, citing constraints in domestic coal supply.

R K Singh, minister of state for power and new and renewable energy, said his ministry has allowed power producers to import coal as the domestic situation is likely to remain poor for the next two years.