Coal Set to Gain Over 20% in March

2026-03-31 07:39 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Coal strengthened above $140 per ton and was on track to gain more than 20% in March, marking its biggest monthly advance since the peak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in May 2022.

The surge comes as the prolonged Middle East conflict kept a risk premium in energy markets, prompting power generators across Asia and Europe to increase reliance on coal.

Japan has joined other nations in signaling plans to ramp up coal-fired power generation to offset the energy shock from the Iran war.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is reportedly willing to end the US military campaign against Iran even without the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially giving Tehran greater control over the strategic waterway.

Iran is also said to be preparing to disrupt Red Sea shipping, raising the risk that two key global trade and energy corridors could be effectively cut off.



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Coal Set to Gain Over 20% in March
Coal strengthened above $140 per ton and was on track to gain more than 20% in March, marking its biggest monthly advance since the peak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in May 2022. The surge comes as the prolonged Middle East conflict kept a risk premium in energy markets, prompting power generators across Asia and Europe to increase reliance on coal. Japan has joined other nations in signaling plans to ramp up coal-fired power generation to offset the energy shock from the Iran war. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is reportedly willing to end the US military campaign against Iran even without the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially giving Tehran greater control over the strategic waterway. Iran is also said to be preparing to disrupt Red Sea shipping, raising the risk that two key global trade and energy corridors could be effectively cut off.
2026-03-31
Coal Holds Near 17-Month Highs
Coal strengthened above $140 per ton, hovering near its highest levels since October 2024 as uncertainties over diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war kept a risk premium in energy prices. In the latest developments, President Donald Trump extended a deadline to attack Iranian energy infrastructure for 10 days to allow for negotiations, though the Pentagon is reportedly looking to send up to 10,000 additional ground troops in the Middle East. Coal prices have surged more than 20% since the Iran war began, as prolonged disruptions to global oil and gas flows forced power generators in major economies to rely more heavily on coal. Japan has joined other nations, signaling plans to increase the use of coal-fired power plants to cope with the energy shock from the Middle East conflict.
2026-03-27
Coal Steadies on Mideast Uncertainty
Coal held around $140 per ton, pausing a recent decline as investors navigated uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict. The US maintained that peace talks are ongoing, with the Trump administration reportedly sending a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at resolving the conflict. However, Tehran indicated it has no intention of holding talks with Washington and plans to reject a US ceasefire offer, instead countering with a five-point plan granting it control over the Strait of Hormuz. Coal prices had surged about 20% since the Iran war began, as prolonged disruptions to global oil and gas flows forced power generators in major economies to rely more heavily on coal for electricity. Elevated natural gas prices are also prompting European countries to increase coal-fired generation despite rising output from renewable sources.
2026-03-26