Coal prices continued to rise in China on Wednesday. The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index closed at 607 yuan per ton.

That was up 14 yuan per ton from the index's previous close. The rise was mainly due to earlier than expected cold weather that came as most cities are increasing coal reserves for their winter heating supplies.

Analysts sayl prices will soon stabilize because China's economic planner, the NDRC, has ordered major producers to hike output to ease shortages.