The Ministry of Coal has clarified that there is adequate availability of coal for thermal power plants (TPPs) of the country.
As of July 16, 2023, TPP end coal stock stands at 33.46 million tonnes (mt) which is 28 per cent higher as compared to the corresponding period of last financial year. Coal availability at all locations including pithead coal stock at mine end, stock in transit and TPPs is 103 mt as against 76.85 mt last year, which is 34 per cent higher. The ministry further stated that coal production during July 2023 has been much higher than in the corresponding period of last yearAdditionaly, coal companies have planned to extract coal from upper seams, resultantly coal production from April 1 to July 16, 2023 has been 258.57 mt as against 236.69 mt last year. At the same time, coal dispatches to power sector has been 233 mt as against 224 mt last year.