Coal stocks critical at 98 power plants as electricity demand surges
Why in the news
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data showed that 98 thermal power plants were carrying critically low coal stocks as of 23 October 2026, at a time of unusually high post-summer electricity demand.
Key facts
- Critical plants: 98 plants together held 19.7 million tonnes (mt) of coal, 8% below the 21.24 mt recorded in September.
- Days of stock: about 6.3 days of consumption, around 32% of the normative 19-20 days.
- Production: domestic coal output fell 3.2% year-on-year in April-August of FY27, mainly due to lower Coal India output; supplies to the power sector still rose 4% (ICRA).
- Demand: Grid Controller of India data showed 23.4% year-on-year growth in national demand in the first 10 days of October; the power ministry reported a 75 MW shortfall on 24 October.
- Gujarat: all-time high demand of 29,822 MW on 16 October, 36.6% above 21,822 MW a year earlier.
- Coal ministry: the “critical stock” label is a norm-based early warning and does not mean a plant has run out of coal; daily stock drawdown slowed from 0.243 mt in September to 0.116 mt in October.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Plants with critical stock | 98 |
| Coal held | 19.7 mt |
| Stock cover | 6.3 days (norm 19-20) |
| Demand growth, 1-10 Oct | 23.4% |
| Gujarat record peak | 29,822 MW |
About the Central Electricity Authority
The CEA publishes plant-wise coal stock data and flags plants whose stocks fall well below the normative level. The Centre has assured Gujarat 10-11 coal rakes a day until November and 13-14 thereafter. KPMG and ICRA analysts warned that thin stocks limit maintenance and the ability to handle sudden demand peaks.
Exam angle
- Coal stock norm for plants: 19-20 days; actual cover at critical plants: 6.3 days.
- Gujarat’s record peak: 29,822 MW on 16 October 2026.
- Coal India is the main domestic producer whose lower output pulled production down.