China’s coal-price indices stop revealing surging prices as demand soars and inventories ‘fall below warning line’

By Sidney Leng | South China Morning Post

All four of China’s major coal-price indices have stopped being updated after a concurrence of factors sent the price of coal surging in recent weeks – signalling that the government has stepped in to cool the overheated coal market.

The factors said to be responsible for the soaring prices include China’s booming post-coronavirus industrial recovery, the annual sharp uptick in demand for coal to provide heat during the cold winter months, and an ongoing crackdown on illegal mines. Other factors at play include problems arising as local governments implement rules designed to curb pollution, and Beijing’s restrictions placed on coal imports, according to analysts…Full Story