As of 21 October 2023, India’s coal production registered a growth of 12.73 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. These latest figures reveal a promising trend in the nation’s coal industry, highlighting various facets such as production growth across different sectors, coal stockpile statistics, coal imports, and efforts to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste.
Coal Production:
The latest data reveals that coal production in India surged by 12.73 percent during the current financial year until October 2023, in comparison to the corresponding period in the previous year. This substantial increase showcases the industry’s resilience and adaptability. A breakdown of production growth across different players is as follows:
- Coal India (CIL): 11.80 percent
- Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL): 8.45 percent
- Captive & Commercial Mines: 20.50 percent
Additionally, the total coal stock as of 21 October 2023, stood at 71.35 million tonnes (MT), an 18.05 percent increase compared to the same period last year, signaling enhanced stockpile management.
Coal Imports:
One notable development is the decrease in coal imports for blending purposes. During the current financial year until 21 October 2023, India imported 13.5 MT of coal, representing a substantial 35 percent reduction when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This decline in imports indicates a stronger reliance on domestic coal production.
Seasonal Variations in Production:
The coal industry experiences seasonal variations in production and transportation. The first half of the year witnesses depletion in coal stocks at pitheads and thermal power plants. Conversely, the second half of the year sees favorable production conditions post-monsoon, resulting in higher supply than consumption and a build-up of coal stock.
Ensuring Adequate Coal Supply:
Despite the surging demand for power, the Union Ministry of Coal has ensured the availability of coal at all thermal power plants throughout the country. This commitment is crucial to maintaining a stable power supply and meeting the energy needs of the nation.
Future Stock Targets:
The Ministry of Coal has set ambitious targets for coal stockpile management. They aim to have 40 million tonnes of closing stock at pithead plants of thermal power and over 75 million tonnes at mine ends by 31 March 2024, ensuring a stable coal supply chain.
E-Procurement Performance:
The Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited (CIL) have showcased significant growth in e-procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Over the past three financial years, procurement through GeM has risen steadily.
- In FY 2020-21, GeM facilitated e-procurement worth Rs 477 crore, which has surged to an impressive Rs 28,665 crore during the current fiscal year, FY 2023-24.
- The percentage of procurement through GeM out of total procurement has surged from 0.49 percent in FY 2020-21 to a remarkable 72 percent in FY 2023-24 (till 15 October 2023).
The Ministry of Coal has exceeded its GeM procurement target for the current fiscal year, reaching Rs 28,665 crore out of a total procurement of Rs 39,607 crore as of October 15, 2023.
Record-Breaking Coal Dispatch:
The Coal Ministry has set an ambitious target to produce and dispatch 1,012 million tonnes (MT) of coal to consumers during the Financial Year 2023-24. Remarkably, by 17 October 2023, the Ministry had dispatched 500 MT of coal, achieving this milestone in just 200 days, despite the challenges posed by the monsoon season in the first half of the year.
Sector-Wise Dispatch:
Out of the 500 MT of coal dispatched, 416.57 MT was for the power sector, reflecting a year-to-year growth of 7.27 percent. The non-regulated sector received 84.77 MT of coal, indicating an impressive year-to-year growth of 38.02 percent. In the previous fiscal year, 893.19 million tonnes of coal were dispatched.
