A total of 45 coal-fired power plants in India are currently functioning with critically low coal stocks amid weak monsoon, according to government figures, reported Reuters.
The shortages come as heavy monsoon rainfall hinders coal supplies and electricity demand rises amid weather conditions linked to El Nino.
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Government data as of 25 August shows a rise in the number of power plants with coal stocks below 25% of their required inventory or with enough fuel for less than three days. This figure has increased sharply from 31 plants at the end of July.
Of the power stations affected, 40 use domestically sourced coal, based on information published by the Central Electricity Authority, which is affiliated with the federal power ministry.
Industry sources report that heavy rainfall in key coal-producing states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand has negatively affected mining activities and slowed the transportation of coal to power plants, compounding the supply challenges.
Commodities consultancy BigMint said: “There has been a significant (inventory) drawdown, particularly through August, resulting in stocks falling 19% from end-July levels.”
At the end of August, coal stocks at Indian power stations stood at 30.95 million tonnes, providing roughly ten days’ worth of operational requirement, compared to 12 days’ supply recorded in July, according to BigMint.
The declining coal inventory comes as India experiences its weakest monsoon since 2009, with rainfall so far this season registering 12% below average.
The uneven distribution of rain has contributed to increased demand for electricity, particularly for cooling needs.
An official from NTPC, India’s thermal power producer, said: “The uneven monsoon has driven power demand, primarily for air-conditioning. But coal supplies are running hand-to-mouth. There is a need for five to six rakes at some plants, but we are receiving only half that number.”
In response to these conditions, the power ministry has reportedly instructed some coal-fired power facilities to postpone scheduled maintenance until the coal supply situation becomes more stable, a senior ministry official said.
