Chinese coal imports rose in November from the month before on firm demand during the winter heating season, even as Beijing encourages a shift to cleaner fuels in its battle against pollution. Shipments into the world’s top coal importer reached 22.05 million tonnes in November, up 3.6 percent from October, but down from 26.97 million tonnes a year ago, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Friday. The figures include lignite, a type of coal with a lower heating value that is largely supplied by Indonesia. Year-to-date imports were up 8.4 percent at 248.17 million tonnes, according to the data. “Coal traders are seeking cheaper fuel from […]