Despite government efforts to raise coal supply, prolonged heat has pushed
Indian power demand to near-record levels and left roughly one-third of
coal-fired plants with critical stockpiles. Peak demand has hovered near the May
record of 270.70 GW and has run around 267 GW in recent days. El Niño-driven
higher cooling needs are boosting consumption. Central Electricity Authority
data show coal stocks at thermal plants were about 25% below required levels as
of Sept. 9; the number of plants with under three days of coal rose to 59 from
45 at end-Aug.
