Coal India transports 91% coal stocks to thermal power plants

Over 91% of coal stocks from Coal India mines are being transported to thermal plants across India, in a bid to rescue power plants from the recent coal shortage spike. The remaining coal stocks are being diverted for other enterprises. Power plants across India are suffering an acute shortage of coal, with stocks dropping to last mere days due to a supply crisis and surged demand. The central government has confirmed there is a shortage of fuel but said it was increasing production and that there was no need to panic. Of the eight Coal India mining companies in the country, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) in Odisha is transporting the highest stocks, at around 96 of the entire 289 rakes per day. Out of these 91, about 88 are being transported to power plants, government data reveals. MCL is assisted by improved production from the Talcher mine in the state. The older coal mines in eastern states, like the Eastern Coalfields Limited that have a lower scope to ramp up production, are transporting about 10 rakes per day. The Nagpur-based Western Coalfields is transporting its total yield of 30 rakes to power plants. As per the power ministry data, at least 10 non-pithead thermal plants in the nation, of which the eight placed over 1500 km away from coal sources — only have stocks left for 5-7 days. Additionally, other power plants have limited coal stocks left. Image Source Also read: Coal India Limited prioritises coal supply for power plants Also read: Ministry of Coal takes initiatives for supplying fuel to power sector