The start to 2016 has not brought any reported contract coal deals out of the US Illinois Basin, as utilities are largely out of the market and producers are reeling from higher costs, sources said Monday. Mild winter weather and low natural gas prices have created a period of uncertainty about existing and future contracts, sources said. “Everybody’s in the same boat,” a Kentucky fuel buyer said. “Both buyers and suppliers are wondering how this is going to play.” Producers have not seen prices increase despite dropping production nearly 27% in the fourth quarter. In 2016, production again is down 27% compared with the same period last year, according to data released Friday by Bentek Energy, a unit of Platts. Article continues below… Platts Coal Trader provides the latest prices for key benchmark coals, as well as: Daily pricing for tons and allowances for SO2 and NOx emissions The […]