Prices of smokeless lump coal rose across the board in the first half of August

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In the first half of August, the prices of bituminous lump coal in major production areas such as Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou, and Ningxia increased by 30–50 yuan per ton (prices are given per ton hereafter). 　　In the first half of August, the price of 6,800 kcal smokeless medium-density coal slabs in Jincheng, Shanxi was 960 yuan per ton (including tax; the same applies below), an increase of 30 yuan compared to the end of July ； The price of Yangquan’s 7,000-kcal smokeless medium-density coal blocks is 930 yuan, up 30 yuan from the end of July. The price of 7,000-kcal smokeless medium-sized briquettes in Yongcheng, Henan is 1,080 yuan, up 50 yuan from the end of July ； The price of 7,000-kcal smokeless medium-density coal slabs in Jiaozuo is 1,060 yuan, up 30 yuan from the end of July. The ex-mine price for 6,800-kcal smokeless medium-coal in Zunyi, Guizhou is 1,040 yuan, up 30 yuan from the end of July ； The ex-pit price of 6,800-kcal smokeless medium coal in Bijie is 1,030 yuan, up 30 yuan from the end of July. The ex-mine price of 6,000 kcal smokeless lump coal in Shizuishan, Ningxia is 1,025 yuan, up 30 yuan from the end of July. 　　In the first half of August, as agricultural demand declined, urea prices continued to fall, with the lowest factory prices in regions such as Shanxi, Shandong, and Hebei once again approaching 1,400 yuan. As a result, urea manufacturers are generally reluctant to purchase raw materials, and the demand for anthracite coal is moderate. However, driven by the continuous rise in prices of related products such as steel and coke, the prices of imported injection coal increased significantly earlier on, which had a positive impact on the prices of anthracite. Additionally, on August 11, a landslide occurred at the slope of the Lüxin Coal Mining area in Heshun County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province; the relevant authorities ordered all coal mines in Heshun County to suspend operations and cease new construction for rectification. This region is dominated by low-grade coal and anthracite; the production capacity of such coal types that is subject to suspension and restructuring amounts to about 14 million tons, accounting for 4% of Shanxi’s total production capacity for these coal types. The tight market conditions have ultimately led to an increase in the prices of anthracite lump coal. 　　In the second half of August, demand for agricultural urea is low due to the off-season, and there is little demand for anthracite coal. Given the tight balance between supply and demand for coal, prices of anthracite are expected to remain stable or rise slightly.