Coal shortage, high prices may benefit Coal India, Neyveli Lignite

User industries like metals, cement as well as merchant power producers without captive coal mines likely to feel the heat

The economy is bracing for a potential power crisis, caused by a combination of higher demand for power and shortages of coal. Coal inventories at power plants are tight, at 9 days of stock on average, which is higher than the low levels of 4 days reached in October 2021 but less than half of the 17 days normally held at this time (mid-April). Out of 173 thermal plants, around 100 hold less than 25 per cent of normal coal inventory.

While power demand has risen as economic activity expands, and due to air conditioning and irrigation needs in summer, coal