Ample coal stocks for power plants; no blackout risk, says govt

States continue to flock spot market, prices at record high

With several states and power distribution companies (discoms) pressing the panic button on coal supply and shortfall in electricity, the Ministry of Coal and Power has rushed in to scotch any rumours of a blackout or power cuts.

Close to 16 Gw of coal-based power generation capacity is under outage (not generating) for lack of coal supply, according to the data on the National Power Portal.

An increase in international prices of coal and natural gas has added to the woes of power consumers.

The Union Ministry of Coal in a public statement said ample coal was available in the