The price of coal is the result of a complex set of factors. Despite the growing interest in modern sources of energy such as heat pumps and renewable energy sources (RES), many households in Poland still rely on coal as their primary heating fuel. Here are the main factors affecting coal prices:
1. Geopolitical Situation: Events on the international stage, such as the war in Ukraine and the suspension of Russian coal imports, can significantly impact the increase in coal prices.
2. Global Coal Prices: Higher rates in other countries increase costs for importers in Poland, directly affecting prices at domestic warehouses.
3. Coal Supply: Low coal production and increased demand in the market result in higher prices.
4. Purchase Format: Coal sold in bulk is typically cheaper than packaged coal.
5. Type of Fuel: The cheapest types are regular coal or brown coal, while eco-pea coal or nut coal are more expensive.
6. Origin: Imported coal may be cheaper than domestic coal, but it may be of lower quality.
7. Calorific Value: The higher the calorific value of coal, the more expensive the resource.
The price of coal can also vary depending on the time of year. It is usually cheaper in the spring and summer, while it is most expensive just before the heating season, around the turn of September and October.
In 2023, the prices of coal vary from 1300 to 2000 PLN per ton. The price depends on the region, and according to data from the cieplo.gov.pl portal, prices in different voivodeships are as follows:
However, the price of coal depends not only on the region but also on its type and calorific value. The lowest heat value belongs to dust (up to 23 MJ/kg), while the highest heat values are associated with cubed coal (up to 29 MJ/kg) and coke (up to 30 MJ/kg). Currently, prices similar to those at warehouses can be found on classified ad websites. The cheapest option is around 1000 PLN per ton for dust (23 MJ/kg), slightly more expensive is eco-pea coal (26 MJ/kg) at around 1600 PLN per ton, and imported eco-pea coal costs over 2000 PLN per ton.
It's also worth noting the offers at the PGG store in 2023. Here are some of the available options:
It's important to note that there are no plans to reintroduce the coal supplement in the 2023 heating season. The Ministry of Climate explains this decision by the stabilization of coal prices in the market.
In summary, the price of coal in 2023 depends on many factors, including the geopolitical situation, the type of coal, calorific value, and region. Before making a purchase, it is advisable to thoroughly understand these factors and compare prices on different platforms, including the PGG store. This way, you can find the best offer that suits your needs and budget.