SHIJIAZHUANG, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's benchmark power coal price dropped slightly during the past week.
The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index (BSPI), a gauge of coal prices in north China's major ports, stood at 546 yuan (about 76.9 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, a drop of five yuan week on week, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd.
Analysts said given that the supply elasticity of thermal coal was significantly higher than the demand elasticity, the contradiction between supply and demand of domestic thermal coal was prominent, which also led to the continued downward movement of coal prices.
The recovery of the thermal coal industry chain was facing challenges, which was the reason why the contradiction between high inventory and destocking demand at ports would be further deepened.
At present, the spot price of thermal coal has fallen below the long-term agreement price. With the global outbreak of COVID-19, the financial market has suffered a severe setback, adding to the pessimism in the market, according to analysts.
Released every Wednesday, the BSPI is a leading indicator of China's coal prices.
