Coal importers under planning for years ahead

Vietnam needs to import 70 million tonnes of coal by 2030. Therefore, the role of the state in planning and rearranging of coal imports is important in order to bring better outcomes for enterprises and the national economy.

Vietnam imported more than eight million tonnes of coal in the first seven months of the year, accounting for a quarter of share of the Vietnamese coal market, of which imports of the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) was only 863,000 tonnes (more than 10 percent). This fact has put significant pressure on the domestic coal industry, and requires early planning and rearranging of importers.

Great pressure

Many households are likely to use 6a1 coal dust produced in Hon Gai and Cam Pha of Quang Ninh Province, Vinacomin Deputy General Director Nguyen Van Bien said. However supplies of its type of coal have not meet domestic demand and are estimated to miss about three million tonnes this year. The market also has less demand in other equivalent coal produced in Mao Khe, Uong Bi and Vang Danh due to higher sulfur and lower burning.

He also added that coal produced in Mao Khe, Uong Bi and Vang Danh was previously used for exports. However exports of its kind of coal stopped, so Vinacomin needs to import Anthracite coal for processing and mixing with some kinds of domestic coal to serve households’s demand and to reduce inventories.

World coal supply surplus is creating favorable conditions for importers to establish long-term relations with partners. However, global coal prices increased by about US$10 a tonne in the second quarter of the year compared to the first quarter.

Many businesses are allowed to import coal, contributing to diversifying supplies. According to statistics, Vietnam imported over eight million tonnes of coal in the first seven months of the year, creating great pressure on the domestic coal production.

Rearranging coal importers

To ensure national energy security, the government has assigned Vinacomin to promote exploitation and increase output. In addition, coal imports to ensure supplies for thermal power plants and other needs of the economy are necessary. Therefore, coal imports by Vinacomin are indispensable.

Anthracite coal imports serving domestic thermal power plants will face many difficulties after the world economy recovers. Therefore, the state needs to increase control of coal resources and arrange imports in an appropriate manner, contributing to ensuring the balance of supply and demand.

Hoang Chau / ven.vn