Nymex-spec prices hit three-year low as demand slips

摘要

Prices for Nymex-spec barge coal from Central Appalachia have fallen to fresh lows in recent days, weighed down by a perfect storm of market pressures. Reduced export interest, competitively priced natural gas, mild shoulder season weather and new environmental regulations that are encouraging utilities to evaluate using more Northern Appalachia and Illinois basin coals have combined to force Nymex-spec coal prices lower this month.