Tough time for coastal power companies

KOLKATA: Costal power plants will have a higher fuel bill in August as prices of Indonesian steam coal have risen 44% to a seven-month high. International coal prices have risen 6.4% since June as China cut production and increased import.

S&P Global Platts said US export prices of premium coal increased from $68 a tonne in January to $75.5 a tonne in August.

The consequent increase in power cost will make it difficult for coastal plants to compete, say experts.