India has built up substantial coal reserves and remains fully prepared to meet any unprecedented surge in demand, as coal production and supply have consistently exceeded consumption during the financial year 2025–26. The surplus has resulted in record-high coal stocks at both thermal power plants and coal mines across the country.
According to official data, coal availability has improved significantly this year, ensuring a stable supply for key sectors such as power generation and industry. The supply of coal to the Non-Regulated Sector has also witnessed strong growth, rising by nearly 14 percent compared to the previous year.
Coal stock levels at mine heads have increased notably over the past year. The pithead coal stock at the mines of Coal India Limited (CIL) stood at 106.78 million tonnes (MT) on April 1, 2025. By March 9, 2026, the figure had risen to 121.39 MT. In addition, there are around 6.07 MT of coal stocks at the mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), while captive and commercial mines together hold approximately 15.12 MT. Another 14 MT of coal is currently in transit, bringing the total coal availability at mine ends to a record 156.58 MT.
This stockpile is in addition to coal already available at thermal power plants across the country. As of March 9, 2026, power plants collectively hold around 54.05 MT of coal, which is sufficient to meet nearly 24 days of consumption at the current usage rate.
Overall, the total coal stock available across the country has reached about 210 MT. Officials estimate that this reserve would be adequate to meet national demand for approximately 88 days, providing a strong buffer against supply disruptions or sudden spikes in consumption.
Coal production across India continues to maintain a steady pace, leading to growing stocks at the mine end while ensuring consistent supply to consumers. The government has credited the support of Indian Railways in facilitating efficient transportation and distribution of coal across regions.
The Ministry of Coal said it remains focused on ensuring a stable and performance-driven environment for the sector. Through policy support, close monitoring of performance, and coordinated engagement with stakeholders, the ministry aims to maintain reliable coal availability and support uninterrupted operations in critical sectors.
