Indian power plants’ coal inventory rose by 2.7 million tonnes (mnt) to 30.9 mnt in November 2022, as per data provided by the power ministry. This is the second consecutive monthly increase after coal stocks fell in September.
Meanwhile, domestic coal inventory rose to 25.22 mnt in November from 21.9 mnt in October. However, imported stocks fell from 6.2 mnt in October to 5.7 mnt in November. The decrease in imported coal stocks is consistent with the decrease in coal imports amid increase in domestic coal production.
Rise in coal intake and consumption
In November, coal received by power plants as well as its consumption have seen an increase as compared to the previous month.
Coal consumption in November was at an average of 2.01 mnt per day, a rise from 1.87 t per day in October, indicating a rise in power demand.
Meanwhile, amid rise in coal production and dispatches, the coal received by the power plants rose to an average 2.1 mnt per day in November, as compared to 1.95 mnt per day in October.
The power plants received nearly 60.55 mnt of coal, but consumed around 63.27 mnt in November.
Sector-wise power plants’ performance
The number of power plants at critical stage rose to 59 in November from 56 in October. A power plant is at a critical stage if coal stock is less than 25% of the normative coal stock.
Interestingly, the number of power plants at critical stage has increased with the inclusion of four more private utilities in November. However, there were two central power plants at critical stage in terms of coal stocks in October; but by November, there were just one.
Non-pithead plants lag in stock growth
Coal stocks at pithead power plants rose by 18% m-o-m to 7 mnt. Notably, pithead power plants are within 500 km of a coal mine. However, coal stock at non-pithead plants increased by 7% m-o-m to 23.9 mnt in November. This contrast in the growth rate between pithead and non-pithead plants highlights logistics and transportation constraints faced by the latter.
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