Dismissing viral claims of a severe power crisis, the government's fact-checking arm Press Information Bureau (PIB Fact Check) on Sunday said there is no coal shortage or grid failure in India, terming such posts misleading and panic-inducing.
The clarification came after a widely circulated post on X claimed that India's power grid had hit a record demand of 277 GW amid rising summer temperatures, alleging critical coal shortages and load-shedding in several states. It also raised concerns over evening demand spikes when solar generation drops.
Refuting the claims, PIB Fact Check said the country's power system remains stable and adequately supplied. According to official data, the maximum peak demand recorded on May 2, 2026, was 229 GW, which was fully met without any shortfall.
"A post circulating on social media claims India is facing a severe power crisis due to coal shortages. These claims are misleading and aim to create unnecessary panic," it said.
The government added that coal availability remains sufficient, with total stock at thermal power plants standing at 53.702 million tonnes, enough to meet operational needs. It also noted that power availability across the country is adequate and grid operations are being managed as per established protocols.
Addressing concerns over grid stability, PIB Fact Check said existing frequency control defence mechanisms provide sufficient operational margins to ensure secure functioning, even during peak demand. These systems help stabilise the grid and prevent cascading failures or blackouts.
The government highlighted that proactive measures such as advance fuel stocking and capacity planning are in place to handle seasonal demand spikes during summer. It urged citizens to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unsubstantiated claims.
(With inputs from IANS)
