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 566 yuan (about 86 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, flat week on week.

Analysts said the stable market was due to measures to ensure coal supply and stabilize coal prices in the winter season.

Coal prices in the Bohai Rim region were slightly weaker in the first half of the past week, but a cold front drove up the demand of coal for winter heating, thus giving a lift to the coal market in the second half of the past week.

Released by the Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co., Ltd. every Wednesday, the BSPI is a leading indicator of China's coal prices.