Indonesia won`t limit thermal coal exports - minister

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will not impose a ceiling on coal exports as domestic demand is still below production, the energy minister said on Thursday. Indonesia, the world's largest exporter of thermal coal, is expected to produce 196 million tonnes of coal this year with domestic consumption seen at 49 million tonnes, data from the energy ministry showed.

"Domestic market obligation for coal is included in contracts but we don't need it because domestic demand is small," Purnomo Yusgiantoro was quoted by Reuters as telling reporters.

"We will produce coal based on demand and we won't set a ceiling on exports."

The country is expected to export 147 million tonnes this year.