Coal inventories at India’s thermal power plants have plunged, triggering a power squeeze that is causing outages and rising energy costs. This season’s monsoon—the weakest since 2015—has cut hydro output, while exceptional heat has lifted air‑conditioning and irrigation demand, accelerating burn rates at coal plants that supply roughly two‑thirds of India’s electricity. With demand outstripping supply, small factories, farmers and households are facing load curtailments. Large industrial users

Coal inventories at India’s thermal power plants have plunged, triggering a power squeeze that is causing outages and rising energy costs. This season’s monsoon—the weakest since 2015—has cut hydro output, while exceptional heat has lifted air‑conditioning and irrigation demand, accelerating burn rates at coal plants that supply roughly two‑thirds of India’s electricity. With demand outstripping supply, small factories, farmers and households are facing load curtailments. Large industrial users including metal smelters, chemical and pulp‑and‑paper plants are unable to secure enough coal for captive generation because state miner Coal India Ltd is prioritizing deliveries to grid‑connected power stations.