DAILY: China's thermal coal climbs further on supply concerns, demand hopes

China's thermal coal market extended its rally on May 27, fueled by bullish sentiment as widespread safety inspections swept major production hubs. Strong coal consumption in southern provinces reinforced expectations of resilient demand, putting a solid floor under prices.

On Wednesday, Mysteel assessed the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 848/tonne ($125.1/t) FOB northern ports with VAT, up another Yuan 4/t on day. Prices for 5,000 kcal/kg and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR coal both increased by Yuan 3/t to sit at Yuan 760/t and Yuan 663/t, respectively. At