Power cuts ahead? Coal supply concerns as heat wave sweeps the country

As power demand surges with temperatures rising the govt is looking to ensure coal supply to thermal power plants remains adequate and a deja vu of last year's power outages are not repeated.

The government has 'directed' Coal India to priortise coal supply to power plants and coal auction for non power plants are said to be on hold for the next three months.

Punjab is already facing a severe coal shortage as demand for power is 7 times the average.

As per a report on Reuters govt owned Coal India, has slashed supplies to the non-power sector - which includes aluminium smelter and steel mills by as much as 30%. Coal India accounts for 80% of coal production in India.