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Informist, Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

 

--Govt: Increased coal auction to 1 per day to ensure coal availability 

--CONTEXT: Comments by officals at a press conference on West Asia situation 

--Govt: Asked states to check coal hoarding, profiteering 

--Govt: Ensured adequate supply of coal to state nodal agencies 

--Govt: India producing coal on par with demand 

 

NEW DELHI – The government has raised the number of coal auctions per month to 30 from the earlier 15-20 to ensure adequate availability amid global uncertainties, government officials said Wednesday. India's coal production is currently aligned with demand, with no supply deficit. "We are producing coal at a pace matching consumption levels. There is absolutely no shortage," Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, joint secretary at the Ministry of Coal, said at an inter-ministerial press conference on the West Asian situation.

 

Kassi said strong logistical support from Indian Railways continues to facilitate the steady movement of coal. The government has ensured adequate coal availability to state-run nodal agencies and stepped up monitoring of offtake and distribution, he said. States have also been asked to remain vigilant against hoarding and profiteering, with the Centre writing to them to assess demand and ensure fair distribution across consumers, he said.

 

Kassi highlighted the subdued demand in recent e-auctions, indicating sufficient availability in the system. "In March, around 32.53 million tonnes of coal were offered, but bookings stood at only 13.32 million tonnes — about 40.94% of the total... Same trend is being witnessed in April, with around 3.2 million tonnes offered so far and bookings at about 38.75%," he said. 

 

"Roughly 40% of the coal offered in e-auctions is getting booked, which shows that adequate quantities are available in the market," Kassi said. Coal India has also lined up around 30 auctions for April as part of efforts to maintain a steady supply, he said.

 

Coal availability across the supply chain remains robust, Kassi said. As per the latest data, stocks at thermal power plants stood at around 55 million tonnes — sufficient for about 24 days of consumption based on recent usage levels. However, he clarified that this does not imply a supply constraint. "The 24-day figure assumes that supplies stop completely, which is not the case. There is continuous production and supply, so there is no shortage on a daily basis," Kassi said.

 

In addition to power plant inventories, coal stocks at mines, including captive, commercial, and other operational blocks, stand at around 170 million tonnes, he said. This brings the country's total coal availability to roughly 220 million tonnes.

 

With sustained mining activity, steady rail movement, and ample inventories across mines and plants, Kassi said the coal and power sectors are well-positioned to meet the country's energy needs without disruption.  End

 

Reported by Pallavi Singhal and Krity Ambey

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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