Power Plant Coal Stock Status October 2026

As of 29 September 2026, domestic coal-based power plants held a coal stock of 18.932 million tonnes. By 10 October 2026, the stock had declined to 18.205 million tonnes, a reduction of 0.56 million tonnes over the first ten days of the month. The Press Release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dated 12 October 2026 notes that the stock remained above 18 million tonnes throughout this period. The average daily decline during the first ten days of October was approximately 0.06 million tonnes, which is notably slower than September 2026's average daily decline of 0.24 million tonnes.

• ✓Stock on 29 September 2026: 18.932 million tonnes
• ✓Stock on 10 October 2026: 18.205 million tonnes
• ✓Total decline (29 Sep – 10 Oct): 0.56 million tonnes

The coal stock decline in September 2026 was approximately 7.28 million tonnes for the month, averaging 0.24 million tonnes per day. In contrast, the decline during the first ten days of October 2026 was 0.56 million tonnes, averaging 0.06 million tonnes per day. This represents a reduction of about 75 percent in the average daily depletion rate compared to the previous month. The Press Release attributes this improvement to increased coal supply arrangements.

• ✓September 2026 average daily decline: 0.24 million tonnes
• ✓October 2026 (1-10 October) average daily decline: 0.06 million tonnes
• ✓Decline rate reduction: approximately 75 percent

Average daily coal supply to the electricity sector in October 2026 (1-10 October) was 2.49 million tonnes, up from 2.21 million tonnes per day in September 2026. This increase of approximately 10 percent was driven by an average of 469 loaded rakes per day in October, compared to 426 rakes per day in September. The actual supply of 2.49 million tonnes per day exceeded the supply plan of 2.37 million tonnes per day. On 9 out of 10 days in the period, supply surpassed the planned target.

• ✓September 2026 average daily supply: 2.21 million tonnes
• ✓October 2026 (1-10 October) average daily supply: 2.49 million tonnes
• ✓Supply plan vs actual: 2.37 MT/day plan vs 2.49 MT/day actual

During October 2026 (1-10 October), the average number of loaded rakes dispatched daily for the electricity sector was 469, ranging between 447 and 482 rakes per day. This was an increase from 426 rakes per day in September 2026. The Ministry of Coal coordinated with Coal India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, the Railway Ministry, and power companies to ensure continuous coal supply and stock for thermal power plants. Indian Railways was appreciated for its professional commitment in facilitating efficient coal transportation.

• ✓October 2026 average loaded rakes per day: 469
• ✓September 2026 average loaded rakes per day: 426
• ✓Rake loading range: 447 to 482 per day

The Press Release notes that coal stock increased on two specific dates in October 2026: on 2 October 2026 by 0.024 million tonnes and on 10 October 2026 by 0.017 million tonnes. These daily increases contributed to the overall stock trajectory, though the total decline from 29 September to 10 October was 0.56 million tonnes. The nature of these stock increases (e.g., receipt of fresh supplies or inventory adjustments) is not specified in the source material.

• ✓Stock increase on 2 October 2026: 0.024 million tonnes
• ✓Stock increase on 10 October 2026: 0.017 million tonnes
• ✓Net decline (29 Sep – 10 Oct): 0.56 million tonnes