Coal India Limited (CIL) has said it is well prepared to meet the expected increase in coal demand during the upcoming summer months, as electricity consumption begins to rise across the country. The company stated that strong coal availability across its supply chain will ensure uninterrupted supply to power producers and other industries.
Power demand has been increasing since January, a trend that typically strengthens during the summer due to higher use of cooling systems. To meet this demand, Coal India has maintained a three-level supply cushion consisting of coal stocks at pitheads, inventories at thermal power plants and coal already exposed at mines and ready for extraction.
As of 26 February 2026, CIL’s producing subsidiaries were holding about 115 million tonnes of coal at pitheads. Coal stocks at domestic coal-based thermal power plants stood at nearly 55 million tonnes as of 25 February, the highest level for this period. In addition, around 5.5 million tonnes of coal were in transit at goods sheds, washeries and ports. Together, these sources provide about 175.5 million tonnes of available coal.
The company also reported that exposed coal at its mines—coal uncovered and ready for mining after removal of overburden—stood at about 60.2 million tonnes at the end of the first half of February. These mines account for nearly 90 percent of Coal India’s annual production, ensuring the company can quickly increase output if needed.
A senior company official said the combination of pithead stocks, power plant inventories and exposed coal offers strong assurance of supply. The company added that improved domestic availability could also help reduce reliance on imported coal, particularly as international coal prices have been rising in recent months.
Coal India has been working closely with power producers and railway authorities to maintain steady coal movement and improve logistics. The company said its subsidiaries are focusing on efficient production planning, transportation management and inventory monitoring to respond quickly to demand changes.
Coal India Limited remains the country’s largest coal producer and plays a central role in supporting India’s energy security. With adequate reserves across the supply chain and additional output capacity available, the company said it is confident of meeting higher demand during the summer season while maintaining stable supply to the power sector and other industries.
