On 20th April 2022, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has done a tweet regarding the availability of “Only 8 Days of Coal Stocks” is left. He also insisted that India is on the verge of stagflation and insufficient coal may result in power cuts affecting small industries and subsequent job losses.
Rahul Gandhi further attached the report of NDTV and Business Line of 18th April where it is mentioned that coal stock at power plant hit a low.
Click here to above Business line Article
After his tweet, other Congress handles started blaming Modi government that it may create blackout like situation in the country, adding fuel to the fire.
Fact Check:
Considering the above allegations, Onlyfact team has decided to look into the matter and found out that Business line report which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi published is of 18th April 2022.
On 19th April 2022 same media house Business Line published another fresh report which clearly mentions that the situation is critical but not alarming and the reason of shortage is due to supply chain issue.
OnlyFact team has also found Business Standard report of last month stating that Indian coal import has fallen by 23% due to high domestic coal production. It means despite of having a surge in power demand India has successfully lowered imports, consolidating the fact that there is any dearth of coal.
Owing to scorching temperature resulting in escalating power demand, the supply chain has taken a hit. Adding another blow is the soaring international coal prices that led to the disruption but to claim that India is left with only 8 days stock is skeptical statement.
A similar situation arises every year, especially during this peak demand season from April to October. In the wake of this situation, Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has accelerated production and supplies to avoid any possible disruption.
Hence after required research it is evident that the claim made by INC top honcho regarding acute power shortage is nothing but a malicious attempt to create deliberate fear across the country.
We at OnlyFact are committed to debunk any deliberate attempt to spread unnecessary panic throughout the nation.
Jai Hind
