96 Indian coal plants left with less than three days’ fuel
What Happened
Nearly half of India’s 191 coal-fired power plants have critically low fuel stocks. Central Electricity Authority data showed 96 plants were in the critical category as of October 19, up from 60 in mid-September. A plant is considered critical when it has coal sufficient for less than three days of generation. Daily peak electricity demand this year has been running around 45-50 GW higher than a year earlier, while weaker monsoon rains have reduced hydropower generation and increased reliance on thermal plants. Total coal stocks at power stations have fallen roughly 5% since the start of October.
Key Takeaways
India’s power system is facing growing pressure from surging electricity demand and weaker hydropower output, leaving coal plants with thinner fuel buffers despite increased coal supplies.