New Delhi, April 8, 2026: The Government of India has assured that coal availability remains sufficient to meet the country’s power generation needs, even as global uncertainties persist due to tensions in West Asia.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Coal, stated that coal stocks at mines are currently adequate and the government has directed producers to maintain steady supply levels.
Stable Supply and Cost Management
Coal producers have been advised to ensure uninterrupted availability despite rising input costs. In line with an affordability-focused approach, Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited are absorbing cost pressures to prevent any burden on consumers.
Additionally, Coal India Limited increased the frequency of e-auctions in March, improving accessibility and ensuring smoother coal supply for buyers across sectors.
Coal Gasification Gains Strategic Importance
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy emphasised the growing importance of coal gasification as a transformative technology to enhance India’s energy security and reduce import dependence.
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be further utilised to produce cleaner fuels, fertilisers, chemicals, and hydrogen—supporting a more sustainable and efficient use of domestic resources.
National Mission and Investment Push
To accelerate adoption, the government has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission, targeting 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. An incentive framework of ₹8,500 crore has been introduced to support both public and private sector participation.
Several large-scale projects are already underway, with investments exceeding ₹64,000 crore in the pipeline.
Advanced technologies such as Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) are also being explored to unlock previously inaccessible reserves while minimising environmental impact.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
The government reiterated that India’s rapidly expanding economy requires a balanced energy strategy that ensures reliable supply while aligning with sustainability goals, positioning coal gasification as a key pillar in the country’s future energy mix.
