Forty-five Indian power plants face critical coal shortages
Government data reveals that 45 power plants in India are operating with critically low coal inventories, with 40 being domestic coal-fired plants. As of August 25, the number of plants with coal stocks below 25% of their required inventory has increased from 31 at the end of July. Current coal stocks stand at 30.95 million tons, sufficient for approximately 10 days of operation, down from 12 days in July. Heavy rainfall in coal-rich states has disrupted mining and transportation, while electricity demand has surged due to hotter weather linked to El Niño. The power ministry has advised some coal-fired plants to postpone maintenance until the supply situation improves.
Published 2 days ago • 27 Aug 2026, 02:13 PM IST