Combined stocks of thermal coal at 112 Indian power plants fell 6.2% week on the week to 19.79 million mt Wednesday, the first time it has moved below the 20 million mt level since December 6, according to data released Friday by India's Central Electricity Authority.
The volume was also 22% lower on the month and down 40% from the same day a year ago.
Stock levels have been dwindling since reaching a year-to-date high of 27.8 million mt in late March.
The data showed the Indian power plants had enough supply for 13 days, down from 15 a week ago, although steady from the same time last month. A year ago there was enough for 22 days of supply.
The number of plants with critical stocks of less than five days was 11 on Wednesday, up from nine a week ago, three a month ago and none a year ago.
The volume of imported coal on the stock increased 1% on-week to 1.58 million mt, which was also 22% higher on the month, but down 28% from a year ago.
