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India Assures No Immediate Shutdown Risk Despite Low Coal Stocks
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CNBC TV18•09-10-2026, 15:42
India Assures No Immediate Shutdown Risk Despite Low Coal Stocks
- •The Ministry of Coal stated that power plants with critical coal stocks are not facing an imminent shutdown, clarifying that the critical classification serves as an early-warning measure.
- •Coal supplies to the power sector have increased by about 36 percent from September lows, with daily stock depletion dropping significantly in October.
- •Rail shipments have improved to average over 465 rakes a day, aiding transportation alongside increased road deliveries.
- •As of October 5, thermal power plant stocks stood at 18.15 million tonnes, with 81 out of 176 domestic-coal-based plants classified as critical.
- •State-run NTPC plans to procure 10 million tonnes of coal from captive and commercial mines by the end of FY27 to supplement its supplies.
Key Questions Answered
No, despite low coal inventories, the government has clarified that power plants facing critical stock levels do not face an imminent shutdown. The critical stock label serves as an early-warning alert rather than an indication that a plant has exhausted its fuel.
As of October 5, out of 176 domestic-coal-based power plants in India, 81 were classified as having critical coal stocks because their inventories fell below 25% of the prescribed requirement.
State-run power generator NTPC plans to procure 10 million tonnes of coal from captive and commercial mines over a six-month period by the end of FY27 to supplement its supplies.
