The supply index of coal to power plants monitored by the China Electricity Council (67% of China's total installed coal power capacity) rose 0.51 WoW to 51.02 during Dec 12-20, at the expansionary territory and indicating power coal supply extended the increase with an expanded growth.

The demand index was down 0.77 WoW to 50.82, at the expansionary zone for 2 wks and suggesting demand increased at a slower rate. Inventory index was up 1.11 WoW at 50.09, rising to the expansionary zone after 2 wks at the contractionary zone and suggesting power coal stocks shifted from decrease to increase. Coal price index slid 0.79 WoW to 43.72, at the contractionary territory for the 11th wk and suggesting prices continued to drop at a faster pace, CEC data showed.