India faces a growing power-supply strain as unusually hot weather and rising electricity consumption push coal-fired plants toward critically low fuel reserves. Free Press Journal reports that Central Electricity Authority data show 96 of 191 coal-based power plants had critical coal stocks as of Oct 19, up from 60 in mid-September. It says “critical” means reserves can sustain generation for fewer than three days.
Across outlets, the shortage is tied to higher demand linked to hotter-than-normal conditions that also reduce hydropower output. Free Press Journal adds that peak power demand has stayed 45 to 50 gigawatts above last year’s level, and that hydropower output falls as the monsoon weakens, increasing reliance on coal. It also notes coal inventories at power plants are down about 5% since early October and describes a wider electricity deficit in September. Times of India and Business Line broadly report the same overall pattern—about half of coal plants with reserves under three days—without listing as many detailed figures.
Government steps are mentioned in some coverage. Times of India says the government has increased local coal production and paused coal imports, while Free Press Journal references Coal Ministry measures to boost fuel deliveries to thermal power stations.
