Insufficient coal stocks at plants from Apr-November due to rise in power demand, heavy rains: Power Minister
The Hindu
Due to second wave of the pandemic in April-June, 2021, the production and logistic arrangements were also affected as a huge number of manpower got infected, R.K. Singh said
Power plants could not maintain sufficient coal stocks during April-November this year due to rise in electricity demand, heavy monsoon rains which continued till first week of October and rise in imported dry fuel price, Parliament was informed on Thursday.
"During April-November, 2021, power plants were not able to maintain sufficient stock as coal-based power generation in the country increased by about 16% as compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year due to revival of economic activities," Power Minister R.K. Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Further, the Minister said there were interruptions in domestic coal supplies due to heavy rains, which continued until first week of October 2021 as well as rise in imported coal prices in the international markets which resulted in less coal import by thermal power plants (TPPs).