Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Weak Monsoon Drives India’s Power Surge, Coal Deficits
India’s coal-fired power plants are running low on coal.
Coal stocks often fall during the monsoon because rain makes mining harder.
Electricity use also rises during this period.
This year, electricity demand increased suddenly, making the coal shortage more serious.
On 6 September, 190 plants together had 26.7 million tonnes of coal.
That amount could keep them operating for about 8.5 days on average.
Fifty-eight plants had less than one-quarter of the coal they were supposed to have.
If supplies do not recover, these plants may face greater difficulty continuing normal operations.
Coal inventories at India’s thermal power plants have fallen in recent months.
Stock depletion is typical during the monsoon because rain disrupts mining while power demand rises.
This year’s drawdown is described as far more acute because of a sudden demand surge.
As of 6 September, 190 thermal plants held 26.7 million tonnes of coal.
That stock was enough for an average of 8.5 days, while 58 plants had less than 25% of required inventory.
- Who
- India’s 190 thermal power plants and the power sector.
- What
- Coal inventories at thermal power plants have fallen sharply amid a sudden power-demand surge.
- When
- The situation has developed in recent months; the reported stock figures are as of 6 September.
- Where
- At thermal power plants across India.
- Why
- Monsoon rains disrupt coal mining while power demand rises, and this year’s sudden demand surge has made the drawdown more acute.
- Plants surveyed
- 190 thermal power plants
- Total coal stock
- 26.7 million tonnes as of 6 September
- Average operating cover
- 8.5 days
- Plants at critical levels
- 58 plants
- Critical-stock threshold
- Less than 25% of required inventory
- Seasonal factor
- Monsoon rains disrupt mining while power demand climbs