Coal news and updates

Coal stock at power plants fall in May despite normal supplies

June 19: The stock of coal with 121 power plants fell sharply to 17.07 million tons (mt) as on May 31, 2014 compared to 20.74 mt as on April 30, 2014 largely on account of higher generation prompted by higher demand for power, according to figures received from Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The stock at the end of May was equivalent to 12 days of requirement as compared to 14 days requirement at the end of April.

The total supply of coal, including imported coal, stood at 43.19 mt in May as compared to 43.72 mt in April, the CEA figures revealed.

The total receipt of coal equivalent to raw coal in May stood at 43.70 mt, down marginally from 43.73 mt in April, it said.

The actual consumption of coal in May stood at 45.47 mt, which in equivalent raw coal term was 45.99 mt whereas as the consumption and equivalent raw coal in April stood at 44.75 mt and 45.21 mt respectively.

The 121 power plants that were tracked by CEA needed a total of 44.57 mt of coal in May and against that the receipt, as mentioned above was 43.70 mt whereas the requirement in April as per plan was 45.29 mt against which the receipt, as mentioned above was 43.73 mt.

Following table provided details break-up of coal receipts and closing stock in terms of number of days in May and April (in ‘000 tons):