Due to the lack of resources and traffic restrictions, currently the spot price for various grades of coal has risen shockingly. According to the latest report disclosed by the China Coal Transportation & Sale Society yesterday, current prices went up 20 percent a month on average, a new historical record. Meanwhile, the seashore route prices for coal transportation also went up 50 percent in the past six months. Industry insiders estimate that the future price increase range may still be higher and even more severe.

Analysts from Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd. said that the rising coal contract prices in 2008 marked the enhanced marketization for coal prices, causing spot prices to keep on rising. Experts with Guotai Junan Securities Co.Ltd. estimate that the contract prices for coal transportation will have relatively more space to increase. For instance, the sea transportation prices in Ningbo City will probably see a 40-50 percent increase this year.

For more details, please read the full story in Chinese. (http://www.china-cbn.com/s/n/000004/20080129/020000070111.shtml)

(China.org.cn January 29, 2008)