Illinois basin market slow, steady

摘要

Illinois basin coal prices were unchanged this week as the opposing forces of limited long-term demand and tight supply kept the markets in a holding pattern. The benchmark 11,500 Btu/lb 51b SO_2/mmBtu held at 51.50 dollars/short ton FOB barge for the prompt quarter, with 2012 and 2013 remaining at 52.25 dollars and 52.75 dollars/st, respectively. Miners' prompt supply is tight, encouraging them to keep prices elevated. But utilities have little incentive to buy because warmer-than-average weather has left them ample inventories for early winter months, and because they have to prepare for pending Environmental Protection Agency regulations.