Volumes of coal offered for export in eastern direction in 2024 to exceed 2023 results - Russian Energy Ministry

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - Proposed volumes of coal exports from Russia to the East in 2024 will be higher or level with results achieved in 2023, the Russian Energy Ministry said, citing Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Mochalnikov.

According to Mochalnikov, exports of coal products to the East in the outgoing year were implemented in almost all regions according to guaranteed volumes.

Earlier, Mochalnikov noted that the main task for the Russian coal industry is to stay within the parameters of 2021-2022, with demand in the market significantly exceeding possibilities for export.

Coal production in Russia in 2023 is expected to be about 440 million tonnes, with exports to be slightly below the level of 2022, the deputy minister said.

"In the eastern direction we expect transportation of 106 million tonnes. This milestone has not yet been crossed due to the active development of the Eastern polygon. We expect to see a figure of 180 million tonnes by the end of 2025 and 210 million tonnes by the end of 2031," he added.

Production and export of coal from Russia in 2024 may remain at the level of 2023, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said in December in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel. Earlier it was reported that the agency expects coal production in 2023 at a level of 440 million tonnes, with exports totaling about 220 million tonnes.