Low domestic coal supplies to the non-power sector — as the government prioritises coal transportation to thermal plants with low stocks — has prompted the industry to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for more equitable distribution of the dry fuel.
As many as 10 industry bodies noted that low fuel supply to the non-power sectors, such as aluminium, steel, and cement, had compelled players to procure coal at significantly higher prices in the open market and purchase power from exchanges, further inflating the cost of power. The call from the industry comes at a time when 85 of the 150 thermal plants, which use domestic coal,
