The power outages are reducing operating hours at steel mills, leading to lower furnace utilisation and restricted production of sponge iron and billets. This could tighten local supply and affect downstream rebar production. Additionally, higher electricity prices and increased costs for coal and iron ore pellets are squeezing profit margins for steel manufacturers. Weak demand may prevent producers from passing these costs onto customers, further straining the industry. The Chhattisgarh Mini Steel Plant Association has raised concerns about the financial impact and sought relief from the state electricity regulator.