Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data showed that on Sept 4, the number of plants with critically low coal stocks had increased to 57. 7 MT. " Despite prolonged spells of rain through July and Aug, particularly across the East-Central parts, CIL maintained a steady supply run.

The ministry said sticky and wet coal beds were now drying out, making freshly mined coal free-flowing and considerably easier to transfer, handle and dispatch. 7 MT on Sept 4, with just a single day's respite from rain, it said.