# India coal supply and power demand stability > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261020-india-coal-supply-and-power-demand-stability > Updated: 2026-10-20T23:13:36.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. In late September 2026, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy stated that India was not facing a coal shortage despite a 12% to 15% increase in thermal power demand. He noted that while monsoon conditions caused temporary disruptions to mining and hydropower, supply via road and rail remained sufficient. The government also highlighted efforts to modernize Coal India Limited through digital technologies like AI and IoT. By late October, however, data from the Central Electricity Authority indicated that approximately half of India’s 191 coal-fired power plants were operating with critically low fuel stocks. As of October 19, 96 plants reported having enough coal for less than three days of generation, an increase from 60 plants in mid-September. This shortage was attributed to a surge in electricity demand—driven by hotter weather and reduced hydroelectric output—and a contraction in coal production. While private and captive mining increased output, these gains failed to offset production declines at major traditional producers such as Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: India faces coal shortages at half of its power plants Half of India's coal-fired power plants face critical fuel shortages with less than three days of supply remaining, driven by high demand and declining production momentum. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-faces-coal-shortages-at-half-of-its-power-plants ### 2026-09-28: India coal supply remains stable despite rising power demand Union Minister G Kishan Reddy stated India faces no coal shortage despite a 12-15% rise in power demand and monsoon-related mining disruptions, noting that supply via rail and road remains stable. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-faces-no-coal-shortage-despite-rising-power-demand --- Cite as: India coal supply and power demand stability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261020-india-coal-supply-and-power-demand-stability