India's power companies have significantly boosted natural gas purchases from a domestic exchange, quadrupling them to combat soaring summer electricity demand. Blistering heatwaves have driven peak power needs to record highs, forcing reliance on gas-fired plants. Despite price hikes and supply challenges, this fuel is crucial for meeting demand, though shortages persist.

Coal India has increased coal dispatches to power plants as rising heatwave-driven electricity demand raises concerns over shortages and outages.

India's power companies have significantly boosted natural gas purchases from a domestic exchange, quadrupling them to combat soaring summer electricity demand. Blistering…