Coal India Dispels Shortage Concerns with Strong Domestic Buffer
Coal India Limited (CIL) has moved to reassure stakeholders and the public regarding the sufficiency of domestic coal reserves, even as power demand across the nation continues to rise. The state-owned mining giant has emphasized that its current stockpiles and strategic buffers are more than adequate to prevent any supply disruptions during the upcoming summer months.
Record Pithead Stock and Growing Inventory
As of February 26, 2026, Coal India's producing subsidiaries are maintaining a substantial pithead coal stock of 115 million tonnes (MT). This represents a significant increase from the 90 million tonnes recorded during the same period last year. Officials have confirmed that this inventory is expected to grow further by the close of the current fiscal year, providing a solid foundation for meeting escalating energy needs.
Three-Layer Buffer System Ensures Reliability
CIL operates a comprehensive three-layer buffer across the entire coal supply chain to guarantee consistent availability. This system includes:
- Coal inventory at CIL's pitheads: The primary reserve of extracted coal ready for distribution.
- Coal stocks at thermal power plants: Strategic reserves held directly at consumption points to ensure uninterrupted power generation.
- Ready-to-extract in-situ coal exposure in CIL's mines: Coal that has been uncovered through overburden removal and is immediately available for mining and supply.
This multi-faceted approach is designed to create a resilient supply network capable of withstanding fluctuations in demand.
Unprecedented Stocks at Power Plants and Transit Points
According to the latest data from Coal India, domestic coal-based power plants are currently holding stocks of nearly 55 million tonnes as of February 25, 2026. This marks the highest level ever recorded for this time of year, underscoring the company's preparedness. Additionally, there is a transit stock of 5.5 million tonnes of coal distributed across goods sheds, washeries, and ports, facilitating smooth logistics and timely deliveries.
Total Accessible Coal Reaches 175.5 Million Tonnes
When combining the pithead stock, power plant reserves, and transit inventory, the total on-tap coal accessibility stands at approximately 175.5 million tonnes. A senior official from Coal India stated, "This level of domestic coal sufficiency in the system can effectively meet any sudden surge in power demand, as well as requirements from other industrial sectors. It completely dispels any concerns regarding coal scarcity."
In-Situ Coal Exposure Provides Immediate Backup
Further bolstering the supply chain, Coal India reported an in-situ coal exposure of 60.2 million tonnes at the end of the first fortnight of February 2026. This exposure is concentrated in mines that contribute to 90% of CIL's total annual output, meaning vast quantities of coal are already uncovered and ready for extraction at short notice. This ready reserve acts as a critical backup, ensuring that additional coal can be mobilized rapidly if needed.
With these measures in place, Coal India is confident in its ability to support the nation's energy infrastructure through the peak demand periods of summer, alleviating fears of any potential coal deficiency.
