Some regions will , however , periodically see tight supply , according to the China National Coal Association ( CNCA ).

The coal output in the first three quarters reached 2.69 billion tonnes , and the sales volume hit 2.64 billion tonnes . Both registered a growth rate of at least 10 percent , according to CNCA .

The annual output is estimated to exceed 3.5 billion tonnes this year , compared with about 3.3 billion tonnes last year . Coal imports are expected to hit 150 million tonnes , less than last year ' s 164.83 million tonnes .

Domestic demand will keep rising at a moderate pace amid steady economic growth , but uncertainty in the macro economy will decelerate demand growth , predicted Wang Zhanjun , an official with CNCA .

The association said the price hike this year was modest . The current reserve volume stands at 225 million tonnes , which is adequate for 19 days of use for the country ' s major power producers .

Xinhua