The power Ministry on Tuesday allowed power producers using domestic coal to import up to 10 per cent of their coal requirement to boost low stocks, sources said. The move could bolster coal inventory at thermal power plants within a week, they added.
India’s coal fired power plants are facing severe shortage, with an average of just 4 days of inventory against a recommended level of 15-30 days, due to a sharp uptick in power demand and supply side issues caused by monsoon rains.
“We have allowed that they (power generators) use imported coal for blending upto 10 per cent,” a government official said, noting that despite elevated international coal prices, this level of blending would only lead to a 20-22 paise per unit (kilowatt-hour) rise in the price of power.
