India coal plants run critically low on fuel as power demand surges
Hotter-than-usual weather linked to El Niño is pushing up electricity use in India and straining coal supplies at thermal power stations. The pressure is widening the gap between power demand and supply even as coal-fired generation rises and hydropower output declines.
Highlights
- 96 out of 191 coal-fired power plants in India operated with less than three days of fuel as of October 19, up from 60 in mid-September.
- Total coal inventories at power stations declined about 5% since early October despite government efforts to boost supplies.
- September's power demand-supply gap reached 560 million kilowatt-hours, driven by a 13.3% rise in coal-fired generation and a 20% fall in hydropower output.
Fuel stocks tighten at thermal plants
As reported by Reuters, citing the Central Electricity Authority, 96 of India's 191 coal-fired power plants are operating with critically low coal inventories as of October 19, meaning they have less than three days of fuel supply. That compares with 60 plants in mid-September, showing a sharp deterioration in stock levels over the past month.Total coal inventories at power stations have fallen by about 5% since the start of October, according to the data. The shortages persist even after India's coal ministry said last week that it has increased supplies to power plants.
Rising demand increases reliance on coal
Daily peak electricity demand this year is running about 45 gigawatts to 50 GW above levels seen a year earlier. Weaker monsoon rains are also reducing hydropower generation, increasing dependence on thermal plants during periods of strong consumption.In September, the shortfall between India's power demand and electricity supply widens to 560 million kilowatt-hours, the highest level since August 2023. Coal-fired generation rises 13.3% from a year earlier in the month, while hydropower output falls 20%.
India continues to add renewable energy, with nearly 55% of electricity generation coming from non-fossil-based sources. However, limited battery storage capacity is keeping the country reliant on coal-based power when demand peaks.
In our earlier article on India’s rising clean energy investment, we noted that capital inflows increased 15% to $72 billion, lifting the country to fifth place globally in energy transition investment. We also highlighted that this momentum supports long-term buildout across power infrastructure, industrial fuels, and transport—an important backdrop as the grid still faces reliability pressures during demand peaks.
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