The Ministry of Coal has reaffirmed the critical role of coal in ensuring the country’s energy security, even as India accelerates the expansion of its renewable energy capacity.
According to the Ministry of Coal, coal continues to support core sectors such as steel and cement that are vital to sustaining the nation’s economic growth.
The ministry highlighted that coal production across the country is progressing in line with consumer demand while maintaining sufficient stocks at mine sites to ensure uninterrupted supply. With the continued support of Indian Railways in transportation, coal availability is being effectively managed to meet the requirements of power plants and other industrial consumers.
Coal stock levels at the mines of Coal India Limited have increased significantly. Pithead stock stood at 106.78 million tonnes (MT) on April 1, 2025, and rose to about 125.54 MT as of March 18, 2026. Additionally, around 5.75 MT of coal is available at the mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited, while captive and commercial mines hold about 15.75 MT.
Further stock availability includes approximately 12 MT of coal currently in transit and around 5.49 MT stored at ports and goods shed sidings. These reserves supplement the coal already available at thermal power plants, where stock levels are estimated at about 53.41 MT—sufficient for nearly 23 days of consumption at the current usage rate.
To ensure adequate supply for all consumers, including small and medium enterprises, Coal India Limited has intensified its coal allocation initiatives. The company scheduled 29 e-auctions during March 2026, offering approximately 23.56 MT of coal to the market.
Of these auctions, five have already been conducted since March 12, 2026. During these auctions, around 7.31 million tonnes of coal were offered, of which 3.196 million tonnes were booked. This response indicates that sufficient quantities are being made available through the auction mechanism.
In addition, Coal India Limited has taken steps to ensure coal availability through the State Nominated Agencies (SNA) route. State governments have been requested to indicate additional coal requirements so that supplies can be arranged proactively and prevent potential energy shortages. The coal offtake by states through SNAs is being closely monitored to maintain uninterrupted supply chains.
The Ministry of Coal reiterated its commitment to building a stable, transparent, and performance-driven coal sector ecosystem. Through sustained policy support, robust monitoring systems, and active engagement with stakeholders, the ministry aims to ensure consistent coal availability and reliable operations across critical industries. These efforts are aligned with India’s broader objective of meeting rising energy demand while progressing toward the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
