{
  "id": 17367497,
  "title": "Coal supply is struggling to keep pace with demand",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/coal-supply-is-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-demand",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-31T07:58:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/coal-supply-is-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-demand-4989174"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Global demand for coal is outpacing production, according to Bank of America analysts. The market is being strained by production limitations and higher natural gas prices. Benchmark Australian Newcastle thermal coal prices have jumped 40% this year, reaching $150 per metric ton, the highest level in two years. This surge is driven by stronger consumption and limited seaborne supplies. BofA predicts prices will stay elevated through winter as power producers switch to coal due to rising natural gas costs, particularly in Asia. The Middle East conflict has further limited liquefied natural gas supplies. Prices for Asian JKM and European TTF have both surpassed $30 per million British thermal units and €90 per megawatt-hour, respectively. At these gas prices, Newcastle coal could rise above $350 per ton, with ample room for further price increases. South Korea is leading demand growth, along with emerging Asian economies like Vietnam and Pakistan, where higher energy costs have made coal more attractive. Supply pressures are mounting in China and India, the world's largest coal consumers. China's stricter mine safety regulations and excessive production have slowed domestic output growth as utilities prepare for winter. In India, lower-than-expected production and sustained power generation have reduced inventories, with coal stocks falling over 60% from their March peak. BofA anticipates restocking in both countries, which could boost import demand. Indonesian coal exports have dropped due to production cuts and transportation disruptions caused by drought. Russian shipments are also restricted due to financial and logistical challenges, with attacks on vessels effectively halting exports from Azov and Black Sea ports. While increased shipments from Australia, the U.S., South Africa, and Colombia have helped offset these shortages, BofA warns that limited spare export capacity leaves global coal markets vulnerable to additional disruptions.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}