China's top economic planner has called for stronger coordination of coal production, supply and reserves to safeguard energy security through the winter, as policymakers push for cleaner and more efficient use of the fuel while keeping the market stable.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it convened a two-day meeting in Yulin, Shaanxi province, from November 20–21 to review progress in building the country's coal production–supply–storage–transport system and to advance efforts on clean and efficient coal utilization.

Provincial officials from Hebei, Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei and Yunnan shared case studies at the meeting, while participants held group discussions on key challenges and policy recommendations, the NDRC said in a statement.

Officials from central state-owned enterprises and local governments responsible for coal production, supply and reserve management attended the NDRC meeting.

Delegates also conducted field inspections of local coal reserves and clean-coal projects, and promoted awareness of China's Energy Law and Work Safety Law, both of which guide long-term planning and industry supervision.

The NDRC stressed that ensuring a stable energy supply during winter and next spring is a matter of national economic and social stability, urging coal-sector stakeholders to "spare no effort" in safeguarding supply.

It added that China will strengthen operational management of the coal sector, work to keep the coal market operating smoothly, and continue building out the country's integrated coal production and supply framework. The agency also called for accelerating clean and efficient coal utilization to support the industry's "high-quality development".

China has maintained record-high domestic coal output since late 2021 as part of its long-term supply-security strategy. Stockpiles at mining hubs and coastal power plants remain relatively high, and spot prices have stayed within the government's "reasonable range" due to strong domestic production and moderated industrial demand.

However, winter heating demand is now rising, and some northern provinces have reported tightening logistics capacity as power plants begin seasonal restocking amid increased coal burns. Imports have softened in recent months due to an abundant domestic supply, reducing pressure on seaborne markets.

While winter heating demand is rising, China's portside prices have edged down again after staying steady since mid-November, following steady rises after the National Day holidays, indicating a lack of strength in the spot market.

China's power plants rely on mid- and long-term contracts signed with miners to meet the majority of their coal demand, maintaining only pockets of purchases from the spot market.