May 3 -- The average price of Shanxi steam coal at Qinhuangdao Port rose by 15 yuan during the three-day Labor Day holiday period, reports Shanghai Securities News.

The Bohai-Rim Steam Coal Price Index rose by 41 yuan per ton during the past six months to an average price of 808 yuan.

According to unnamed experts, the rapid surge in coal prices was due to the reduction in coal imports.

Domestic coal prices are approximately 100 yuan lower than international coal prices.

During the first quarter, China imported a cumulative total of 32.37 million tons of coal, a decrease of 26.4 percent year-on-year.

In addition, the quantity of coal transported to Qinhuangdao Port was at a seasonal low due to equipment checks.

Shares of Datong Coal Industry (601001) were up 0.31 percent to trade at 19.15 yuan per share at 9:45 today.