Government asks power generating companies to consider coal imports

The government late on Friday asked power generating companies to consider coal imports, citing critically low fuel stocks at projects with a capacity of 90 GW. Increased electricity demand coupled with less hydropower and wind generation has put pressure on coal-fired plants.

The high price of imported coal, limited gas availability for power plants and heavy rain in coal-producing areas have added to the woes. The extent of low coal stock at such a large power capacity is unprecedented.