As the country braces for a harsh summer ahead, the average coal stock at about 25 thermal power plants has reached a ‘supercritical’ level. These plants have enough supplies for less than four days, against a normal range of 20-30 days.

According to data from the Central Electricity Authority, the stock at 30 plants, with a total capacity of about 26,320 Mw, is at a critical level (would last less than seven days). Of these, 25 plants, with a capacity of over 21,000 Mw, have stocks at ‘supercritical’ levels. Four plants have virtually no stock.