Government and industry data dated 27 August 2026 showed that 45 coal-fired power plants in India were operating with critically low coal inventories. The affected plants had coal stocks below 25% of required inventory or fuel for less than three days, and 40 of them were domestic coal-fired facilities.
Coal Stock Norms in Thermal Power Plants
Coal stock in thermal power plants is measured against the number of days of operation that existing fuel can support. A critical stock level is often described as fuel for less than three days or inventory below 25% of the requirement. India’s coal-based power system depends on regular rail movement from coal-producing states to generating stations.
Coal Supply Chain and Power Generation
Coal-fired power plants use domestic coal and imported coal for electricity generation, and the Central Electricity Authority monitors plant-wise fuel status. India’s largest thermal power producer, NTPC, operates multiple coal-based stations and depends on railway rakes for fuel movement. In the reported period, some plants received only half of the five to six daily railway rakes needed for normal supply.
Weather Factors and Electricity Demand
Heavy monsoon rainfall in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh affected mining operations and slowed coal transport. India also received 12% less rainfall than normal in the current monsoon season, while high temperatures linked to El Niño increased electricity demand for air conditioning. Seasonal heat and humidity often raise overnight power consumption in India.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Central Electricity Authority is the statutory body that monitors power sector data in India.
- NTPC is India’s largest thermal power producer.
- Coal-fired power plants remain a major source of electricity generation in India.
- Railway rakes are used for bulk coal transport to thermal power stations.
Recent Fuel Stock Data
BigMint reported that total coal stocks at Indian power plants fell by 19% from end-July levels to 30.95 million tonnes. This stock level was equivalent to roughly 10 days of operational fuel. The federal power ministry asked thermal power plants to delay scheduled maintenance to support grid demand.
