Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Coal Stocks Fall Critically at 50 Indian Power Plants
Many coal-fired power plants in India have less coal than they normally need.
Fifty plants are currently classified as critically short of coal.
Together, they have about 28.2 million tonnes, although nearly 58.7 million tonnes is considered necessary.
This supply could last about nine days if the plants operate at a high rate.
Normally, plants are expected to have around 19 days of coal.
Heavy monsoon rain has made mining and transporting coal more difficult.
Electricity demand has also remained high.
The Coal Ministry says the plants are not running out of fuel and that extra supplies are being arranged.
Officials expect supplies and transportation to improve as rainfall decreases after September.
Coal inventories at 50 Indian thermal power plants have fallen to critically low levels, according to Central Electricity Authority data.
The plants have nearly 224 GW of combined capacity but hold about 28.2 million tonnes against a required 58.7 million tonnes.
At current consumption rates, the available coal could support roughly nine days of operations at an 85% plant load factor.
Monsoon rainfall has disrupted coal mining and transportation, while strong electricity demand has increased pressure on supplies.
The Coal Ministry says there is no immediate threat to power generation and is monitoring plants daily while arranging additional supplies.
- Who
- Fifty thermal power plants across India, the Central Electricity Authority, and the Coal Ministry.
- What
- Coal stocks at the plants have fallen to critically low levels amid high electricity demand and supply disruptions.
- When
- During the monsoon season, amid sustained electricity demand.
- Where
- Thermal power plants across India.
- Why
- Heavy monsoon rainfall has disrupted coal mining and transportation, while strong power demand has increased consumption.
Shortage Concerns
Government Reassurance
Risk to power generation
Shortage Concerns
Coal stocks are substantially below prescribed requirements, and the available supply is estimated to cover only about nine days at a high operating rate.
Government Reassurance
The Coal Ministry says the critical classification is part of routine monitoring and does not mean plants are running out of fuel.
Meaning of current consumption estimates
Shortage Concerns
High electricity demand and delayed maintenance are putting additional pressure on coal inventories.
Government Reassurance
Officials say actual coal consumption is lower than the level used in the Central Electricity Authority's normative calculations.
Supply outlook
Shortage Concerns
Monsoon disruptions to mining and transportation have reduced deliveries and contributed to falling inventories.
Government Reassurance
Authorities expect supplies and logistics to improve as rainfall decreases from September onward.
- Affected plants
- 50 thermal power plants are classified as critically short of coal.
- Combined capacity
- The plants have nearly 224 GW of generation capacity.
- Current inventory
- Coal stocks total about 28.2 million tonnes.
- Required inventory
- The prescribed coal requirement is approximately 58.7 million tonnes.
- Estimated operating support
- Current stocks could support about nine days of operations at an 85% plant load factor.
- Normal stock level
- Thermal power stations are normally expected to hold nearly 19 days of coal usage.
- Fuel sources
- Of the 50 plants, 45 use domestic coal, four use imported coal, and one uses washery rejects.
- Monitoring response
- An inter-ministerial group is monitoring low-stock plants daily and arranging additional supplies.