Nearly half of India’s coal-fired power plants are operating with critically low fuel stocks as electricity demand rises amid unusually hot weather, according to government data reported by Reuters on October 21, 2026. The situation is putting additional pressure on the country’s power infrastructure, with coal remaining a major source of electricity generation.
96 Coal Plants Have Critically Low Stocks
Data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed that 96 of India’s 191 coal-fired power plants had critically low coal reserves as of October 19. The number has increased from 60 plants in mid-September, highlighting the growing strain on fuel supplies.
A plant is classified as having critically low stocks when its available coal is insufficient to generate electricity for more than three days, according to the Reuters report.
Despite the Coal Ministry’s statement that it had increased supplies to power stations, total coal stocks at plants fell by approximately 5% since the beginning of October.
The shortage does not necessarily mean that all affected plants are about to shut down. However, low reserves leave power stations more vulnerable to disruptions in coal deliveries and unexpected increases in electricity consumption.
El Niño and Hot Weather Drive Electricity Consumption
Higher-than-usual temperatures associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon have contributed to increased electricity demand, particularly as households and businesses rely more heavily on air conditioning and cooling equipment.
India’s daily peak electricity demand this year has been running approximately 45–50 gigawatts higher than a year earlier, according to the reported data.
A weaker monsoon has added to the pressure by reducing hydropower generation. With less electricity available from hydroelectric stations, the country has had to rely more heavily on coal-fired plants to meet demand.
The combination of hotter weather, lower hydropower output and rising consumption has made fuel availability a significant concern for electricity generators.
Coal Generation Rises as Hydropower Declines
The imbalance between electricity sources is reflected in September’s generation figures. Coal-fired electricity generation rose 13.3% year-on-year, while hydropower generation declined 20%.
Even with increased coal-based generation, the gap between electricity demand and supply widened to 560 million kilowatt-hours in September. Reuters reported that this was the largest such gap since August 2023.
The figures underline the challenge of meeting demand when several sources of electricity come under pressure simultaneously.
Renewable Energy Expansion Faces Storage Challenges
India has expanded its renewable energy capacity, with non-fossil fuel sources accounting for nearly 55% of electricity generation capacity, according to the Reuters report.
However, renewable capacity does not always translate into electricity being available when demand peaks. Solar and wind generation depend on weather conditions, while large-scale battery storage remains important for storing surplus electricity and supplying it when generation falls.
Without sufficient storage and flexible power-generation capacity, India continues to depend heavily on coal during periods of high demand.
What Happens Next?
The government and power-sector agencies face the immediate challenge of improving coal deliveries and maintaining adequate reserves at vulnerable plants. The Coal Ministry has said supplies have been increased, but the latest figures suggest that fuel stocks remain under pressure.
If demand stays elevated and reserves remain low, the risk of supply constraints could increase. The situation also highlights the importance of improving fuel logistics, expanding energy storage and diversifying electricity generation.
Summary
Nearly half of India’s 191 coal-fired power plants had critically low fuel stocks as of October 19, according to government data reported by Reuters. The number of affected plants rose to 96 from 60 in mid-September. Higher electricity demand linked to unusually hot weather, weaker hydropower output and declining coal reserves are straining the power sector. Authorities face mounting pressure to maintain fuel supplies and ensure reliable electricity generation.
