State-owned Coal India posted a 30 million tonnes rise in offtake during April-November this year as against 12 mt during the same period in the previous year.
The increased supply is reflected in a comfortable 21 days fuel inventory in thermal power stations.
This is nearly three times higher than last year. Only one utility reports critical fuel stock this year as against 50 in 2014.
Overall the company recorded 8.8 per cent growth in production and 9.8 per cent rise in off-take during the first eight months. Production is restricted to keep pit-head stock at check.
CIL started the year with five million tonne additional inventory at 53.47 mt. As on November 30, the inventory stands similar to last year at 33.84 mt. This includes nearly 2 mt of stock added in November.
With the miner entering the peak production season beginning December, it will be a challenge to restrict accumulation of inventory beyond the last year’s level.