Pitt Seam flat-higher as exports buoy

摘要

Pittsburgh Seam physical coal markets were firm this week for 13,000 Btu/lb product as export shipments tightened supply and created competition for domestic generators. Higher-sulfur 12,500 Btu/lb coal moved up as utilities seek replacements for the Pitt Seam coking and thermal coals headed abroad. One producer described the market as “slow and steady,” with some major utilities seeking prompt supply. Basin heavyweights Consol Energy, Alpha Natural Resources and Patriot Coal have moved more premium coals abroad this year as domestic prices remained under pressure and international coking coal demand grew, a trend that has forced some larger US utilities to seek alternative supply from outside the Pitt Seam, including Pennsylvania, Ohio and northern West Virginia