Russian Energy Ministry sets task of maintaining coal production, export levels in 2027, production forecast for 2026 is 430 mln tonnes

MOSCOW. Oct 15 (Interfax) - The Russian Energy Ministry expects coal production to be 430 million tonnes in 2026 compared to 434 million tonnes a year earlier, Deputy Energy Minister Dmitry Islamov told journalists on the sidelines of Russian Energy Week 2026.

"Our main task is to maintain production. We are maintaining [the guideline]: it was 434 million tonnes in 2025, and 430 million tonnes is the forecast for 2026. This is our estimate - maintaining the level," Islamov said.

So far, in 8M 2026, the actual results indicate a decline of 1.7%, to 279 million tonnes, Islamov said.

The Energy Ministry has also set the task of maintaining coal production and export levels in 2027.

"We would set the task of maintaining production [in 2027], maybe growing a little. Because we need to take advantage of the price environment," Islamov said.

Coal exports may even increase if the price environment and transportation capabilities are maintained, he said.

"The Eastern Polygon is growing. We are recording growth this year together with Russian Railways. We would like to get the same dynamics next year as well, but we have restrictions in the south and the north-west," Islamov said.

The current situation will make it possible to reduce the net loss of companies in the coal industry, he said.

"This year we are already moving away from the stress scenario. We forecast losses at the level of 300-310 billion rubles this year. Next year we would like to reduce the figure even more. If the price environment is maintained and we manage to increase transportation, then next year we would plan to reduce losses to 100 billion rubles," Islamov said, sharing his expectations.