New Delhi, March 1 -- The Indian government has extended its mandate requiring imported coal-fired power plants to operate at full capacity until the end of April, pushing back an earlier deadline set for February.

The decision, outlined in a government order seen byReuters, comes in response to rising electricity demand across the country.

India's power ministry anticipates peak electricity demand could reach 270 gigawatts (GW) in the upcoming summer season, up from 250 GW last year.

The country often experiences extreme heatwaves during this period, significantly increasing energy consumption.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast above-average temperatures for March across most regions, following an unusually warm Februa...