China's top economic planner said the country has adequate coal inventories to ensure stable energy supplies, as severe winter weather pushes the power and heating system to maximum loads not seen before.

The recent cold snap across large parts of China represented the strongest bout of wintry conditions so far this heating season, said Li Chao, spokesperson of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at a press briefing.

Electricity load on December 17 hit a record 1,242 GW, while gas consumption reached a peak of 1.423 billion cubic meters, up 8.3% and 10.8%, respectively, from last year's winter highs and marking the highest levels in history for heating season.

Li said coal inventories at grid-connected power plants currently stand at over 200 million tonnes, sufficient for 26 days of use. Unplanned outages at coal-fired power stations remain at a relatively low level historically.

Gas storage facilities, including underground reservoirs and LNG terminals, are well stocked at present, and crude oil stockpiles also remain elevated, Li said.

Looking ahead, the commission pledged to continue implementing national policies to ensure stable energy supplies through the winter heating season. It will strengthen coordination, accountability and emergency response capabilities to safeguard people's access to heating.

The remarks come as China, the world's top coal producer and consumer, has ramped up domestic mining volumes in recent months. In November, China's raw coal production hit 410 million tonnes, a 4.6% rise from a year earlier, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed, which is on track to contribute the annual production to a new record.