Gas build hurts prompter coal

摘要

Northern Appalachian markets were noticeably softer for theprompt quarter this week as producers made more aggressiveoffers. But further along the curve, the basin's coal prices weremixed.Buying interest has slipped in the summer because ofcompetition from lower-priced natural gas and many coal plantretirements in eastern power grids. Sellers lowered offers onthe prompt end this week, given the persistent oversupply andpressure on gas prices.