[SMM Coal Flash] India Targets Tripling Power Plant Coal Stocks to 55 Million Tonnes by March 2027

Published: Nov 04, 2026 20:08 (GMT+8)

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India aims to nearly triple coal inventories at power plants from around 18 million tonnes to at least 55 million tonnes by March 2027, ahead of next summer’s peak electricity demand. The target was jointly set by the coal, power and railways ministries to reduce the risk of power shortages.

Current coal stocks cover around six days of consumption, below the government’s target of three weeks. Coal India and Indian Railways are increasing coal production, dispatches and rail capacity to replenish inventories, while priority supplies to power plants have left industrial users, including captive power plants, facing tighter coal availability.

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