GS3 · Energy

Coal production 69.75 MT in July 2026; supply adequate

Battle IAS current affairs title card: Coal production 69.75 MT in July 2026; supply adequate (GS3 · Energy, 6 August 2026)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20221 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

Battle Brief

India produced 69.75 million tonnes of coal in July 2026, up 7.51 per cent from 64.88 MT a year earlier, the Coal Ministry said on 6 August. Despatch rose 18.03 per cent to 86.85 MT. With 34.55 MT at power plants and about 113 MT at pitheads and in transit, total stock of about 148 MT covers some 62 days.

Fact File

Released
6 Aug 2026, Ministry of Coal
Production, July 2026
69.75 MT (64.88 MT in July 2025), +7.51%
Despatch
86.85 MT (73.58 MT), +18.03%
Receipt at power plants
68.83 MT (60.69 MT), +13.41%
Stock at plants (4 Aug)
34.55 MT
Total available
about 148 MT, about 62 days of need
In the news

Coal supply in July 2026: what happened?

July is a monsoon month, when mining is harder. So the Ministry’s message is that supply to power plants stayed comfortable anyway, with the help of Indian Railways.

  • Despatch was higher than production, so stocks at mines were drawn down to supply plants.
  • Receipts at thermal plants rose 13.41%.
  • About 113 MT sits at pitheads and in transit.
Back Story

How to read these numbers?

  • Production is coal mined; despatch is coal sent out; receipt is coal reaching power plants.
  • Days of stock compare available coal with the power sector’s daily use.
Why examiners care

Why does coal supply in July 2026 matter?

  • Energy security: Enough coal stock avoids power cuts.
  • Logistics: Railways carry coal from mines to plants.
Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on coal supply in July 2026?

  • Coal output July 2026: 69.75 MT; despatch 86.85 MT.
  • Total stock about 148 MT, about 62 days.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Energy

  1. As per PIB (2026-08-06): coal production in July 2026 was 69.75 MT; supply to power plants adequate.
  2. Enough coal means steady power through peak demand.
Quotable data point

Coal production in July 2026 was 69.75 MT.

PIB: Coal: supply position July, 6 Aug 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: coal statistics.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

In July 2026, which coal indicator grew the fastest over July 2025?

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (Coal), 6 Aug 2026: despatch +18.03%.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

How much coal was produced in July 2026?

69.75 million tonnes, 7.51 per cent more than in July 2025.

How much coal stock is available?

About 148 MT in total: 34.55 MT at thermal plants and about 113 MT at pitheads and in transit.

How many days of need does this cover?

About 62 days of the power sector's coal requirement.

Keep studying

Go deeper

Official source: PIB: Coal: supply position July, 6 Aug 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending