India’s power sector is facing fresh pressure as 96 of the country’s 191 coal-fired power plants reported critically low fuel stocks as of 19 October 2026.

These plants have enough coal to generate electricity for fewer than three days, raising concerns about supply reliability as demand remains unusually high. The number of affected plants has increased from 60 in mid-September, according to Central Electricity Authority data.

Unusually high temperatures linked to the El Niño weather pattern have increased electricity consumption, particularly for cooling. Daily peak power demand this year has been around 45 GW to 50 GW higher than a year earlier.

Weaker monsoon rainfall has also reduced hydropower generation, forcing India to depend more heavily on coal-based electricity. In September, coal-fired power generation increased 13.3% year-on-year, while hydropower output fell 20%.

The gap between electricity demand and supply widened to 560 million kilowatt-hours, its highest level since August 2023.

Coal stocks at power stations have declined by around 5% since the beginning of October. The government has put a proposal to mandate coal imports on hold, with high international prices and a weaker rupee making overseas purchases more expensive.

Instead, authorities are focusing on increasing domestic production and improving transportation to power plants. The Coal Ministry has said daily supplies to the power sector have improved from September’s low levels and that rail deliveries have strengthened.

Low coal inventories do not automatically mean plants will shut down or that widespread power cuts are imminent. The government has said that critically low stock levels serve as an early warning, while supplies are being monitored and redirected to vulnerable plants.

However, if demand remains strong and coal deliveries fail to keep pace, the pressure on electricity generation could intensify. The situation highlights the need for reliable fuel logistics, stronger energy storage and a more balanced power supply system.

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