Coal deliveries to power sector rise to 2.49 mt per day in October

what happened

According to Newsmetry API, citing the Coal Ministry, average coal deliveries to the power sector reached 2.49 million tonnes per day in October, compared with 2.21 mt per day in September. Through October 10, actual deliveries exceeded the monthly target of 2.37 mt per day on nine of the 10 days.

The improvement was supported by heavier rail loading. From October 1–10, 2026, an average of 469 rakes per day were loaded for the power sector, up from 426 per day in September, an increase of about 10 per cent. Daily loading during the current month ranged from 447 to 482 rakes.

Stocks at domestic coal-fired power plants have stayed above 18 mt since September 29. They stood at 18.932 mt on September 29 and 18.205 mt on October 10, the Ministry said. It added that deliveries are keeping pace with plant consumption, while facilities with critical inventories are being monitored closely. Coal is being redistributed to vulnerable stations according to requirements.

Stocks fell by about 7.28 mt in September, an average decline of roughly 0.24 mt per day. During the first 10 days of October, the total decrease was only about 0.56 mt, or approximately 0.06 mt per day. The Ministry is coordinating with Coal India, SCCL, the Ministry of Railways and power utilities, and acknowledged Indian Railways’ support in moving coal efficiently.

why it matters

For the power market, the figures point to a slower drawdown of fuel inventories and steadier coal availability at thermal plants. Targeted redistribution remains in place for stations facing critical stock levels.

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