Coke prices to be raised again

Coke prices are set to be raised again this month. That's according to major coking enterprises in Shanxi province, China's major coke producing base. This is the fourth price hike for coke this year.

The price for metallurgical coke will reach 2,680 yuan per ton after a 300 yuan increase per ton in June. This comes after a 100 yuan increase in March, and a 200 yuan increase in both April and May. Experts say the fierce price hikes this year have largely been due to serious supply shortages.

The problem has plagued most coking plants in Shanxi province and across the country. Coking enterprises say many small- and medium-sized coal mines were closed due to government's tougher restrictions. And surging international coke prices, along with rising shipping costs, have also helped to push domestic prices higher.