China's benchmark power coal price remains flat

China's benchmark power coal price remained flat 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 577 yuan (about 81.5 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd.

Analysts said that domestic raw coal output and national coal import both increased. There was a mismatch between supply and demand for coal, resulting in a decline in coal prices.

Meanwhile, the coal trade in the Bohai-Rim region was dominated by the coal with long-term agreement, and the comprehensive transaction price remained steady.

With the demand for winter coal storage, it is expected that the subsequent port market will be improved and the rate of decline in coal prices will slow down and eventually level off, according to analysts.