Coal imports almost tripled in January-May of this year

Coal imports almost tripled in January-May of this year, compared to the same five months in 2017, reports the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry. Coal imports jumped because the government complied with a protest blockade of rail lines from the Donbas, ending coal purchases from Ukrainian mines controlled by separatists. Of the 2.8 million tons of imported coal, 72% was from Russia, 22% from the US, and 5% from South Africa. There is speculation that some ‘Russian’ coal is actually Donbas coal that makes a U-turn through Southern Russia. The Ministry did not provide a cost for the coal imports.