Xinhua quoted according to the country's top economic planner that China coal consumption posted steady growth in the first three quarters, with an increase of thermal coal consumption in late September after three consecutive months of decline.

National Development and Reform Commission, China top economic planner said in a statement that China consumed 2.28 billion tonnes of coal in the first nine months up by 10.3%YoY. Coal shipped via railway and ships in the first three quarters totaled 2.17 billion tonnes.

As the world largest coal producer and consumer, China relies on coal to fuel its economy as about four-fifths of electricity comes from thermal power plants. In terms of inventory, coal stocks at five major ports expanded by 980,000 tonnes from the end of September to reach 12.51 million tonnes on October 18.

NDRC said major thermal power plants added 6.31 million tonnes to their coal reserves, bringing the current total to 70.86 million tonnes which can meet electricity generation demands for an average of 20 days.

Coal imports surged 25.1%YoY to 19.12 million tonnes in September reversing a decline in coal imports in the first eight months. China imports grew 1.9%YoY to 123 million tonnes from January to September while exports totaled 12.12 tonnes in the period.

According to the NDRC data, China has become a net importer of coal in the first nine months with a net import of 111 million tonnes.

(Sourced from Xinhua)