October coal dispatch to the power sector down by 5.51%

7 Nov 2022 , 08:46 AM

Last month, the amount of coal sent to the electricity industry decreased by 5.5% to 56.49 million tonnes. In October 2021, there were 59.79 million tonnes (MT) of coal available for the electricity sector.

According to preliminary information from the coal ministry, “the power utility dispatch has decreased by 5.51% to 56.49 MT during October 2022 as compared to 59.79 MT in October 2021.”

However, the shipment grew 13.07% to 413 MT from 365.25 MT in the corresponding time last year during the April to October period of the current fiscal year.

The overall dispatch of dry fuel to various sectors fell to 67.02 MT in October from 70.21 MT in the same month last year. Additionally, the supply to captive power plants decreased from 4.97 MT to 3.54 MT.

This year’s summer coal shortfall resulted in power outages in many areas.

The “power crisis,” according to the coal ministry, was actually caused by a dramatic fall in electricity production from various fuel sources, not by a lack of local coal.

The government had given several explanations for the low coal stocks at the power plants, including increased power demand brought on by the post-COVID economic boom, the early start of summer, an increase in the price of gas and imported coal, and a sharp decline in electricity production at coastal thermal power plants.

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