Coal

Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia, the new agency under sovereign wealth fund Danantara, will oversee coal, palm oil and ferroalloy exports but limit its role to ensuring sales occur at market prices rather than direct trading. The clarification follows industry concerns over last month's policy shift toward centralized exports starting in a transition period from June 1. The move supports transparent pricing for Indonesia's thermal coal shipments, the world's largest, without disrupting existing commercial contracts. Read →

Maryland's sole remaining coal-fired plant, Brandon Shores, and the adjacent H.A. Wagner oil unit are set for a reliability-must-run extension through May 2031, six years beyond the original 2025 closure date. The agreement requires final federal regulatory approval but continues ratepayer-funded support amid grid reliability needs. Prolonged operation sustains thermal coal demand in the PJM market. Read →

Queensland state government approved a 21-year extension for the state-owned Meandu thermal coal mine, extending operations to 2044. The move unlocks up to 200 million tonnes of thermal coal for power generation. It rolls back prior phase-out pledges and secures long-term supply for Tarong power stations. Read →

Indian cement producers are increasing seaborne petroleum coke purchases after shifting away from thermal coal. The Argus-assessed CFR India 6.5% sulphur coke price rose for the seventh straight week to a 27-month high. Cement and brick kilns are key users of both fuels. Read →

Seanergy Maritime CEO said China has restocked massive coal amounts recently. Coal is emerging as an alternative to oil for energy-starved Asian countries amid the Strait of Hormuz situation. US coal exports to Asia including India are also rising. Read →

Dalian coking coal futures hit the daily down limit after Shaanxi authorities urged miners to maintain output for summer peak demand. The notice followed a deadly accident in neighboring Shanxi that raised supply and safety concerns. The move signals efforts to stabilize domestic metallurgical coal availability. Read →

China imported 33.27 million metric tons of coal in May, down 8% from a year earlier though up 1% from April; January-May total fell 3.2% to 182.62 million tons. Traders cited uncertainty over Indonesia's export rules and strong domestic production plus renewables growth as reasons for weaker seaborne buying. The data underscores China's reduced import reliance amid ample stockpiles. Read →

India's Ministry of Coal published the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, creating a framework for registered exchanges with minimum net worth of 50 crore rupees under Coal Controller oversight. The shift moves from one-to-many sales to competitive many-to-many platforms for better price discovery and supply-chain efficiency. It modernizes India's domestic coal market as the country pushes gasification and production growth. Read →

Newcastle coal futures for June rose to $152.25 a ton, the highest intraday level since late 2023. Indonesia's technical regulations effective June 1 centralize coal exports through a state firm, causing shipment delays. The move tightens seaborne supply as northeast Asia summer power demand rises. Read →

Indonesia's Trade Ministry published rules requiring exporters of coal and other commodities to report to a government-appointed state firm. The regulations took effect June 1 and aim to boost state control and revenue. They follow a broader May regulation channeling exports through a central entity. Read →

Dalian coking coal futures climbed as much as 1.9% to 1,486.5 yuan ($219) per ton, the highest since October 2024. A May gas explosion at a Shanxi mine and subsequent nationwide safety inspections have curtailed output. Prices are up around 14% this month on persistent supply concerns. Read →

A gas explosion at a Shanxi mine exposed illegal practices and triggered nationwide safety inspections plus production halts. Thermal coal futures rose above $145 per ton, the highest since October 2024. Tighter oversight risks near-term supply cuts in China's top producing region, supporting prices. Read →

President Trump directed $425 million via Defense Production Act to upgrade 13 coal plants and $75 million for a California export terminal. The move aims to protect plants, mines and boost exports to Asia. It signals stronger US policy support for thermal and met coal supply chains. Read →

NTPC seeks tech partners to run sub-critical coal plants at low loads for grid flexibility with rising solar. India's largest power producer explores reviving older units amid renewable integration challenges. This could sustain or lift domestic thermal coal demand. Read →