September 8, 2026 - India has sharply increased coal shipments by rail to power producers as inventories at dozens of thermal plants fall to critical levels, highlighting the importance of maintaining fuel flows across one of the world's largest coal-consuming markets.

Coal loading for the power sector climbed to 444 rakes on September 6, up from 370 on September 3, as the government moved to rebuild inventories at affected generating stations.

The increase represents a 20% rise in daily coal train loadings over the three-day period.

The push comes as the number of Indian power plants facing critically low coal supplies has increased substantially. As of September 5, 58 plants had inventories below 25% of required levels or enough fuel for fewer than three days of generation, compared with 46 at the end of August.

Of the affected facilities, 53 are supplied with domestically produced coal, according to India's Central Electricity Authority.

India's coal ministry said the situation at critical thermal power stations is being closely monitored and corrective supply measures have already been implemented.

Coal dispatches from state-owned Coal India, its subsidiaries and privately operated mines have increased in response, with rail loading rising each day since September 3.

The tightening inventories come after heavy rainfall disrupted coal production and transportation across several major mining regions, including Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Wet weather can restrict mine output while also creating logistical problems moving coal from producing areas to generating stations.

Despite the pressure at power plants, India's overall coal availability remains substantial.

Coal India, the world's largest coal producer, reported approximately 76 million metric tons of coal stored at its mine sites, suggesting the immediate issue is largely one of transportation and distribution rather than an outright shortage of domestic supply.

Restoring coal inventories is particularly important for India's power sector. Coal supplies roughly three-quarters of the country's electricity generation, leaving the grid heavily dependent on consistent production and transportation from domestic mines.

The latest increase in rail movements underscores how quickly India can mobilize its coal supply chain when power plant inventories tighten. Continued elevated dispatches could help generators rebuild stocks following the weather-related disruptions while supporting steady demand for domestically produced thermal coal.

With dozens of plants still operating with low inventories, coal production and rail dispatch levels are likely to remain closely watched in the coming weeks as India works to strengthen fuel supplies across its thermal power fleet.