Exceptionally cold weather and low nuclear availability are likely to have lifted Japanese coal-fired generation to at least a four-year high in December.

China's domestic thermal coal prices have risen sharply since September to reach unusually high levels for the winter season.

Bonded bunker sales at China's largest bunkering port of Zhoushan totalled 4.73mn t in 2020.

India's mjunction service platform preliminary statistics show that India's coal imports from April to November 2020 were 137.16 million tons, down 17% from 165.35 million tons in the same period last year.

Authorities have pledged more efforts to increase supply and adjust demand to lower coal prices.

China's benchmark power coal price rose slightly during the past week.

Seven of China's major coal-producing groups have called on the sector to boost supply and keep prices within a reasonable range.

The administration will continue to step up supervision to continue improving workplace safety conditions in non-coal mines, the official said.