Critical coal stock levels at Indian thermal plants climb to 66 amid surging power demand

The Central Electricity Authority reported that the count of thermal power stations with critically low coal stocks grew to 66, up from 59 a few days earlier. Coal inventories dropped around 9 % in the same period, bringing actual stocks to about 41 % of the required normative level, down from 45 % previously. This deterioration is linked to a 17.6 % year-on-year increase in electricity demand during the first half of September, compounded by weaker hydropower generation due to deficient monsoon rains.

A temporary supply gap of roughly 6 GW occurred on September 10-11, easing to 0.5 % by September 14. Karnataka’s chief minister highlighted concurrent water and electricity shortages, and the state is exploring extra thermal generation and grid imports. Analysts note that if the trend persists, coal imports may be considered and power market prices could rise, pressuring distribution companies.