Coal India Limited (CIL) has confirmed its readiness to handle increased power demand starting this summer. CIL maintains a robust three-layer buffer system, leading to an ‘on tap’ coal accessibility of approximately 175.5 Million Tonnes (MTs) as of late February 2026. This high level of domestic sufficiency is expected to meet any surge in demand and potentially catalyze a reduction in coal imports as international prices trend upwards.
Assurance of Comfortable Coal Availability
Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced that it is well-prepared to meet the anticipated spurt in power demand as the summer season approaches, following a steady increase in demand observed since January 2026. CIL assures comfortable availability through its comprehensive three-layer buffer across the supply chain.
Key Inventory Figures (As of Late February 2026)
The current stock levels reflect a strong operational stance:
- Pithead Stock: Producing subsidiaries are holding a sizeable pithead coal stock totaling 115 Million Tonnes (MTs) as of 26 February 2026. This figure is expected to increase further before the fiscal year-end.
- Power Plant Stock: Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants stand at nearly 55 MTs (as of 25 February), noted as the highest recorded level for the referred period.
- Transit Stock: An additional 5.5 MTs of coal is currently in transit across goods sheds, washeries, and ports.
- Total ‘On Tap’ Accessibility: These combined sources provide an approximate on tap coal accessibility of 175.5 MTs, sufficient to cover any spike in power demand.
In-Situ Readiness and Operational Assurance
Beyond current inventories, CIL also boasts significant reserves ready for immediate extraction. The in-situ coal exposure at mines responsible for 90% of CIL’s total annual output was reported at 60.2 MTs at the end of the first fortnight of February 2026. A senior official stated that this cumulative quantity—comprising pithead stock, plant stock, and exposed in-situ coal—provides “strong operational assurance”.
Impact on Imports
The high availability of domestic coal is poised to catalyze a reduction in coal imports. This potential shift is timely, as international coal prices have shown an upward trend as of February 2026.
Source: BSE
