The Coal Ministry of India is closely monitoring coal offtake by state nodal agencies amid reports of increased buffer stocks in the informal industrial sector. Currently, the overall coal stock in the country stands at 224 million tonnes, a rise from 201 million tonnes last year. The ministry has reached out to states to assess their requirements and ensure adequate supplies at Coal India-notified prices. Despite this, offtake by state agencies has only marginally increased, with only 15% of the 1.26 million tonnes allocated for the last fiscal year being utilized. The limited storage capacity of small and medium industries, along with locked working capital, is cited as a major reason for the low offtake. Additionally, international coal prices have risen significantly, with the Platts CFR India 4,200 kcal/kg GAR increasing from $67 to $77.40 per metric tonne. This rise is expected to further impact domestic market prices, prompting small industrial units to build their fuel stocks during the high-demand period.