Coal stocks at power plants down to six days

Coal supply crunch, less hydropower put stress on volume and prices in the spot market

Coal stocks at power plants across the country have declined to a point where they can meet the requirement for an average of only six days.

Close to 70 plants have enough stocks to see them out for just three days.

Coal stock indicates the slowing down of supply as the plants need to maintain a threshold of more than 20 days of their stipulated coal supply as reserve at their sites.

Last year, the average coal stock was for 28 days during the peak demand months.

The deficit, coupled with low hydro and wind power generation this season, has pushed up power prices