Indian government data show El Nifio-related heat has driven power demand
higher, leaving nearly 40% of coal-fired plants with critically low coal stocks.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) daily data as of Sept 19 show the number of
plants with coal stocks below 25% of required levels or able to run for less
than three days rose to 74 from about 60 a week earlier. Power utilities' coal
imports in Aug hit a 15-month high. With hydro generation still low, utilities
are turning to higher-cost overseas coal.
