It is now also confident of coal inventory to go up to 155 million tonnes by March 31.
India’s coal and lignite production crossed 1 billion tonne as of March 22, surpassing last fiscal’s output of 937.2 million tonne 25 days in advance, according to data from coal ministry.
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Additionally, the country currently has 96 million tonnes coal stocks available with coal companies. The domestic coal-based thermal power plants maintain coal stocks of 48.2 million tonnes as of March 21 which is sufficient for 21 days, as per the ministry. Coal stocks at Coal India stood at 82.3 million tonnes as of March 22.
“This ample coal reserve ensures uninterrupted power supply across the nation, a crucial factor in sustaining economic activities and meeting the escalating electricity demand, especially during peak consumption periods,” the ministry said.
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The coal ministry has envisaged a target of 1 billion tonne production before the current financial year concludes.
It is now also confident of coal inventory to go up to 155 million tonnes by March 31. Moreover, the share of coal import has declined to 21% during April to January from 22.48% during the corresponding period of previous year, the ministry had said.
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The volume of coal imported for blending by thermal power plants also reduced by 36.69%, amounting to 19.36 million tonnes during April to January, in contrast to the same period of the previous year.
“India’s achievement of surpassing the 1 billion tonnes mark in coal and lignite production not only strengthens the country’s energy security but also reduces its dependence on coal imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange reserves,” said the ministry.
