New Delhi: The Union government has drawn up a comprehensive strategy to address energy shortages being felt in some sectors across the country. Officials said coal availability is currently at an unprecedented level, and key directions have been issued to the Ministry of Coal to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for essential requirements.
The move comes as war tensions in West Asia have escalated following joint attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and retaliatory action by Iran. With Iran reportedly closing the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported—shortages of cooking gas cylinders and crude oil have been reported globally, including in India.
According to government sources, India’s coal stock stands at 210 million tonnes, the highest recorded since Independence. The inventory has been distributed across the supply chain: 127 million tonnes with public sector coal companies, 15 million tonnes with private and commercial mines, 54 million tonnes at power generation stations, and 14 million tonnes earmarked for the transport sector.
To protect essential services, the Coal Ministry has been instructed to work with state governments to supply coal for cooking needs in government student hostels. It has also been advised to provide coal to hotels and restaurants facing fuel shortages.
If additional energy is required for other industries, the government plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure uninterrupted supply. The Centre has also decided to relax existing norms for coal allocation to states and various sectors to stabilise energy distribution and prevent disruption to essential services and economic activity.
