In May, India's coal production grew 7.10% to 76.26 million tonnes (MT)

According to the Coal Ministry, domestic coal production was 7.10% higher year-on-year at 76.26 million tonnes (MT) in May, 2023, which stood at 71.21 MT coal during the same period in 2022. The Ministry of Coal announced that it had accomplished a spectacular performance by significantly increasing overall coal output on May 23, which increased by 7.10% to 76.26 MT from 71.21 MT on May 22. The total amount of coal produced in April and May of FY24 increased significantly from 138.41 MT to 149.41 MT.

During the last month, 59.94 MT of coal was produced, up 9.54% over 54.72 MT in May, 2022. With an increased first-mile connectivity (transportation of coal from pitheads to dispatch points) infrastructure, coal dispatch last month grew 5.70% to 82.22 MT from 77.79 MT in May, 2022.

In April-May, 2024, the cumulative coal dispatch stood at 162.44 MT as against 149.76 MT in the past year during same period. The coal ministry mentioned that this upturn in offtake has resulted in a comfortable coal stock position, guaranteeing the reliable and abundant supply of coal lying at pithead coal stock at Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), stock at TPP(DCB) etc.

As of May 31, 2023, the total stock of coal stood at 112.41 MT as compared to 82.97 MT on May 31, 2022, which showed a growth of 35.48%. The coal stock position has strengthened the capability to tackle unforeseen fluctuations in energy demand and ensures meeting the energy demands of the nation.

In response to the initiative taken by the ministry to improve rail connectivity infrastructure under PM Gati Shakti, the availability of coal rakes for coal transportation has been continuously good throughout this time.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.