CHINA'S coal reserves in 353 major power plants have hit a record29.33 million tons, according to the Ministry of Railways.
This went up from 23 to 24 million-ton reserves recorded in previous years, experts said.
"Reserves are sufficient to ensure electricity generation. Although some small plants are still short of coal due to various reasons, the severe coal shortage at power plants in the past few months is expected to ease," said Zhang Zhonghua, an Orient Securities analyst.
Experts, however, attributed the surging stockpile to a weaker demand for power with the peak summer season now over.
The country consumed 319.8 billion kwh of power in August, down 1 percent from 322.5 billion kwh in July.
The country's efforts in enhancing coal transport capacity and shutting down small thermal coal plants also contributed to the rise, the ministry said.