CAPP, NAPP observers reluctant to see upside amidst higher gas prices, chilly spring

摘要

A chilly spring, higher natural gas prices and the indefinite idling of Consol Energy's big Blacksville No. 2 mine have hardly budged what has now become a long-lasting bearish trend in the Central and Northern Appalachian steam coal markets. Indeed, after seeing recent prices exceeding the $4/MMBtu range for NYMEX natural gas, one coal buyer for a southeastern utility was ready to knock back 2013 prices on CSX-delivered CAPP/NAPP coal based on last week's retreat of gas.