India has adequate coal stocks to meet approximately 62 days of the domestic power sector’s consumption requirements, the Union Coal Ministry informed Thursday.

As on August 4, thermal power plants have about 34.55 million tonnes (MT) of coal, the ministry said, adding further, about 113 MT of coal was lying at pitheads and in-transit combined. Cumulatively, the total available stock stood at 148 MT.

“This is adequate to meet about 62 days of the power sector’s coal consumption requirement, providing a comfortable buffer,” the ministry emphasised.

Coal stocks indicated are specific to a period. With production ongoing, the stocks are replenished.

Overall coal production in July increased 7.51% year-on-year (YoY) to 69.75 MT. Dispatches during the reported period rose 17.34% YoY to 86.33 MT, according to provisional government data.

On a year-to-date basis until July in the current fiscal year, coal dispatches registered a growth of 5.87% YoY.