NewsBytes Explainer: Why India is switching to coal from gas
India is gearing up to rely more on coal power this summer because there just isn't enough liquefied natural gas (LNG) to go around.
With gas-based electricity both pricey and in short supply (and no takers for the latest gas power tender), the government is making sure coal plants are ready to meet the rising demand and keep the lights on.
What's the emergency?
India has invoked emergency provisions and declared force majeure, reprioritising natural gas supplies to households and fertilizer plants.
Since coal already makes up about 75% of India's electricity, this shift feels like a practical move, especially with NTPC saying it can't provide any gas-based power from April through June.
For now, expect coal to do most of the heavy lifting until supplies improve.