Energy Security Demand Supports Coal Prices

2026-04-27 10:44 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

Coal prices held around $130 per ton, below the 17-month high of $146.5 reached on March 20, but still up nearly 9% since the war began in early March.

The move reflects spillover from higher oil and LNG risk premiums as failed US-Iran peace talks keep key shipping routes uncertain.

Asia is leaning on coal for baseload power, with Japan extending coal plant use and South Korea easing curbs, while China boosts domestic coal output and advances coal-to-gas projects to cut import risk.

The shift underscores a broader energy-security pivot as gas and oil supply fears persist.

Still, any rebound in Middle Eastern energy flows could unwind recent gains, while long-term demand faces pressure from accelerating renewable energy growth and policy transitions worldwide.

In corporate news, Anglo American is attracting at least three bidders for its Australian steelmaking coal assets, with Stanmore Resources, Mitsubishi Corporation and PT Buma Internasional Grup among suitors.



News Stream
Energy Security Demand Supports Coal Prices
Coal prices held around $130 per ton, below the 17-month high of $146.5 reached on March 20, but still up nearly 9% since the war began in early March. The move reflects spillover from higher oil and LNG risk premiums as failed US-Iran peace talks keep key shipping routes uncertain. Asia is leaning on coal for baseload power, with Japan extending coal plant use and South Korea easing curbs, while China boosts domestic coal output and advances coal-to-gas projects to cut import risk. The shift underscores a broader energy-security pivot as gas and oil supply fears persist. Still, any rebound in Middle Eastern energy flows could unwind recent gains, while long-term demand faces pressure from accelerating renewable energy growth and policy transitions worldwide. In corporate news, Anglo American is attracting at least three bidders for its Australian steelmaking coal assets, with Stanmore Resources, Mitsubishi Corporation and PT Buma Internasional Grup among suitors.
2026-04-27
Coal Falls to Over 7-Week Low
Coal prices slipped below $130 per ton, easing from the 17-month high of $146.5 reached on March 20 to the lowest level in over seven weeks, as renewed hopes for US-Iran talks raised expectations that energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz could resume. Traders continue to monitor diplomatic signals closely, with the key shipping route still largely shut but seen as critical to restoring supply. The potential easing of gas disruptions could reduce the need for gas-to-coal switching in power generation. Still, the prolonged Middle East conflict continues to embed a risk premium across energy markets, having driven utilities in Asia and Europe to rely more heavily on coal. Despite the recent pullback, coal prices remain up nearly 9% since the war began in early March.
2026-04-24
Coal Hits 5-week Low
Coal decreased to 133.75 USD/T, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Coal lost 0.04%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 41.31%.
2026-04-15