{
  "id": 3703794,
  "title": "45 Indian power plants face critically low coal stocks amid monsoon disruption",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/45-indian-power-plants-face-critically-low-coal-stocks-amid-monsoon",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-27T08:07:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindu BusinessLine",
    "slug": "hindu-businessline",
    "url": "https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/45-indian-power-plants-face-critically-low-coal-stocks-amid-monsoon-disruption/article71395553.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Forty-five Indian power plants are facing critically low coal stocks due to monsoon disruptions and increased electricity demand caused by hotter-than-usual weather linked to El Nino. This figure has surged from 31 at the end of July, according to government data as of August 25. Out of these, 40 plants are domestic coal-fired, according to the Central Electricity Authority. Heavy rainfall in key coal-rich states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh has hindered mining and transportation of coal to power plants. Coal stocks at these plants have dropped by 19% from end-July levels, standing at 30.95 million tons, which is enough for about 10 days of operation, compared to 12 days in July. The uneven monsoon, coupled with El Nino-linked rainfall, has increased electricity demand, particularly for air-conditioning. This has led to a shortage of coal, with plants needing five to six rakes of coal, but receiving only half that amount. India has received 12% less rainfall than usual this monsoon season, leading to increased reliance on coal-fired power generation, especially during nighttime when cooling demand remains high. The power ministry has asked some coal-fired power plants to delay planned maintenance until the supply situation becomes clearer.",
  "summary": "The supply squeeze comes as uneven rainfall and hotter weather increase dependence on coal-fired generation, particularly during periods of elevated cooling demand",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}