In May, India’s coal production increased 7.10 percent to more than 76.26 million tonne (MT), up from 71.21 MT the previous month. According to a statement from the coal ministry, Coal India (CIL) increased production by 9.54 percent to 59.94 MT in May 2023 from 54.72 MT the previous year.
The cumulative coal production increased by 7.94% in FY23, rising from 138.41 MT in FY22 to 149.41 MT in FY23. With improved first-mile connectivity infrastructure, coal dispatch in May 2023 was 82.22 MT, up from 77.79 MT in May 2022, representing a 5.70% increase.
According to a statement issued Thursday evening, coal dispatch from the captive and commercial coal block was 12.23 MT in May 2023, up from 10.47 MT in May 2022, representing a 16.84% increase.
The cumulative coal dispatch increased by 8.47 percent to 162.44 million tons (MT) in FY24, up from 149.76 MT in fiscal 2022-23 (FY23). This impressive increase in offtake has resulted in a comfortable coal stock position, ensuring a consistent and plentiful supply of coal at pithead coal stock at CIL, Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), and stock at thermal power plants, among other places.
The total coal stock as of May 31, 2023 is 112.41 MT, up from 82.97 MT on May 31, 2022, representing a 35.48 percent increase. According to the ministry’s statement, the positive coal stock position has strengthened the capability to deal with unforeseen fluctuations in energy demand and ensures meeting the nation’s energy demands.
The availability of coal rakes, which play an important role in coal transportation, has remained consistent throughout this period, thanks to the Ministry’s initiative to augment rail connectivity infrastructure under PM Gati Shakti to ensure seamless coal evacuation.
According to the ministry, this upward trend in rake availability has facilitated smooth coal transportation, reduced transportation bottlenecks, and ensured continuous supply.
