Critical Coal Stock has fallen to worrying levels at 45 coal-fired power plants across India, according to government and industry data dated 27 August 2026. These plants had either less than three days of fuel available or coal inventories below 25% of their required level. Of the 45 affected plants, 40 use domestic coal, highlighting pressure on India’s coal supply and transport system.

Coal Stocks Reach Critical Levels

Coal is one of the main fuels used for electricity generation in India. Thermal power plants need a steady supply of coal because any major interruption can affect their ability to produce electricity.

A power plant is generally considered to have a critical coal stock when it has fuel for less than three days of operation or its inventory falls below 25% of the required level. Such low stocks can create difficulties if fresh supplies do not arrive on time.

The latest figures show that several plants are facing this situation. The issue is particularly important because coal-fired power stations continue to play a major role in meeting India’s electricity demand.

Domestic Coal Plants Face Most of the Pressure

Out of the 45 power plants reporting critically low stocks, 40 are domestic coal-based plants. This means that the current pressure is closely linked to the availability, movement and delivery of coal produced within India.

Coal is mined mainly in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and then transported to power stations in different parts of the country. Railways play a major role in this supply chain because large quantities of coal are required by thermal power plants every day.

The Central Electricity Authority monitors the fuel position of power stations and tracks coal availability across the electricity sector.

Railway Transport Affects Coal Supply

Coal supply to thermal power stations depends heavily on railway rakes. A railway rake can transport a large quantity of coal in a single movement, making it essential for supplying major power plants.

Reports from the affected period indicated that some plants were receiving only about half of the five to six railway rakes per day they normally require. A shortage of rakes can quickly reduce coal stocks when power plants continue operating at high capacity.

The situation shows that coal availability is not determined only by mining. The entire supply chain, including loading, railway transportation and delivery to power stations, needs to work smoothly.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Mining and Transportation

The monsoon season has added another challenge to the coal supply chain. Heavy rainfall in coal-producing regions of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh affected mining operations and coal transportation.

Rain can make mining activities more difficult and can also slow the movement of coal from mines to railway loading points. When transportation is delayed, power plants may consume their existing stocks faster than new supplies arrive.

Seasonal disruptions are therefore an important factor in managing India’s coal inventory during the monsoon.

Electricity Demand Remains High

At the same time, India’s electricity demand has remained strong. High temperatures and humidity can increase the use of air conditioners, coolers and other electrical equipment.

The data also pointed to unusual weather conditions, including rainfall levels and temperature patterns, as factors affecting the power sector. Higher electricity consumption means thermal power plants may need to operate for longer periods or at higher capacity, increasing their daily coal requirement.

This creates additional pressure when coal deliveries are already facing delays.

Power Ministry Asks Plants to Review Maintenance

With coal stocks under pressure, the power authorities have been focusing on maintaining electricity generation during the period of high demand.

The Union Power Ministry asked thermal power plants to delay scheduled maintenance where appropriate so that available generating capacity could continue supporting the electricity grid.

Scheduled maintenance is normally necessary to keep power plants safe and efficient. However, postponing some maintenance activities can temporarily help maintain generation capacity when electricity demand is high.

The decision reflects the need to balance immediate electricity requirements with the long-term maintenance needs of thermal power stations.

Overall Coal Stocks Also Decline

Industry data reported by BigMint showed that total coal stocks at Indian power plants declined by about 19% from the end of July. The reported stock stood at around 30.95 million tonnes, equivalent to approximately 10 days of operational fuel.

While the national figure provides a broader picture, stock levels can differ considerably from one power plant to another. Some stations may have sufficient coal while others face much more serious shortages because of their location, supply arrangements or transportation constraints.

Why Coal Supply Matters for India

India has been increasing its renewable energy capacity through solar, wind and other sources. However, coal-based power continues to provide a large share of electricity and remains important for meeting demand when renewable generation varies.

Solar power, for example, produces electricity mainly during daylight hours, while electricity demand continues after sunset. Thermal power plants can therefore play an important role in supporting the grid during periods when renewable generation is lower.

This makes reliable coal supplies important for maintaining grid stability and energy security while India expands its clean-energy capacity.

Key Challenges in the Current Situation

Several factors are contributing to pressure on coal stocks:

Low inventory: 45 coal-fired power plants have critically low stocks.
Domestic dependence: 40 of the affected plants use domestic coal.
Railway constraints: Some plants received fewer coal rakes than required.
Heavy rainfall: Monsoon conditions disrupted mining and transportation.
High demand: Heat and humidity increased electricity consumption.
Lower overall stocks: Power-plant coal inventories fell significantly from July levels.
Maintenance pressure: Plants were asked to review or delay scheduled maintenance to support electricity generation.

Focus on a Reliable Power Supply Chain

The latest Critical Coal Stock situation highlights the importance of maintaining a reliable link between coal mines, railway networks and thermal power plants. Better coordination between mining companies, railways, power producers and government agencies can help reduce supply disruptions.

At the same time, India’s long-term energy strategy continues to involve expanding renewable energy, improving transmission infrastructure and strengthening energy storage while maintaining sufficient conventional generation capacity to meet changing electricity demand.