Overview
- CREA reports that in March 2026 global fossil power fell about 1% year over year as record solar and wind output offset a drop in gas-fired generation.
- Coal generation declined in the US, India, the EU, Turkey and South Africa, and no coal units were brought back or had retirements delayed during March.
- Kpler’s shipping data show seaborne coal trade fell 3% year over year in March to the lowest level since 2021, while India’s February coal imports dropped 8.5% on high domestic stockpiles and strong overseas prices.
- Japan and South Korea burned more coal due to lower nuclear output, and LNG‑reliant Malaysia, the Philippines and Pakistan increased coal use, marking narrow regional exceptions.
- Analysts call the March read early and say trends could shift if the blockade continues, though rapid renewable buildout since 2022 has made power systems more resilient.