Interfax-China quoted the Anhui provincial government said Eastern China Anhui Province is facing a coal shortage of eight million tons this year.

The Anhui provincial government said Anhui coal consumption is expected to top 126 million tons this year while supplies are anticipated to reach 118 million tons. Surging demand from local thermal power plants is a major factor contributing to the shortfall.

According to government statistics Anhui electricity output grew 15.8%YoY to 65.99 terawatt hours over the first five months of the year. Anhui began selling surplus coal to other regions in China several years ago, but the province is now looking to purchase coal to satisfy increased demand.

(Sourced from Interfax-China)