Nearly 40% of India's Coal-Fired Power Plants Report Low Fuel Stocks Amid Rising Power Demand

Government data from India's Central Electricity Authority shows that 74 coal-fired power plants — nearly 40% of the total — are operating with low fuel stocks as of September 19, up from approximately 60 the previous week. The shortfall is linked to surging electricity demand during hotter-than-usual weather tied to El Niño. Analysts at Crisil describe the situation as a temporary logistical issue, while the government has moved to increase coal supplies. India's coal imports in August reached a 15-month high as utilities sought overseas supplies to meet demand.