REUTERS
Production of power-generating and coking coal in Ukraine in January-May 2017 decreased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, to 15.791 million tonnes, according to the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry's press service.
Some 2.005 million tonnes, or 12.7% of total output, was mined by state-run mines, which saw a 14.8% decline in production over the period under review, the press service said.
In May alone, Ukraine produced 2.722 million tonnes of coal, including 332,000 tonnes mined by state-owned mines.
Read alsoCoal production in Ukraine declines by 3.2% in four monthsAs UNIAN reported earlier, production of power-generating and coking coal in Ukraine in 2015 shrank by 37.5%, to 39.76 million tonnes, against 65 million tonnes in 2014 due to hostilities in Donbas. In 2016, coal production slightly grew by 2.8%, to 40.864 million tonnes.
In January-April 2017, coal production dropped by 3%, to 13 million tonnes.
Fighting in the eastern regions of Ukraine and the blockade of trade with Donbas have caused a significant shortage of coal, primarily that of thermal anthracite produced in militant-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Thus, the deficit of coal affects the operation of power plants, which have to reduce their capacity. In order to provide the smooth operation of the power grids, anthracite has been imported from Russia and South Africa.