The state planners are trying to talk down coal prices; the National Reform and Development Commission says coal prices are likely to fall because there is no basis for a continued increase.
Coal inventory parked at the five main ports of Bohai reached 15 million tons, up almost 50 percent from the low levels seen in previous months.
Combined inventories at coal-burning plants nationwide have reached about 100 million tons, enough coal to last for about 23 days.
