Illinois Basin prices caught in demand trap as domestic sales, export numbers stay flat

摘要

A lack of demand for the lesser-quality products is keeping pricing for some Illinois Basin coals in check. Surprisingly-low delivered numbers to Europe haven't helped suppliers' efforts, and sellers say little tonnage is currently shipping out of the Gulf Coast. The stagnant domestic utility market hasn't offered much relief, either. "It seems like things have firmed a little bit on the 5-5.5-pound coal and the higher-Btu coals have firmed up, but the low-quality, high-sulfur is still pretty cheap," a source said. "In a barge it is probably $39-40 for the 11,200 Btu, six-pound stuff.