China to press for long-term coal supply deals

China will continue to support long-term supply deals between coal producers and buyers, amid rising demand for the commodity during the heating season, according to the country's top economic planner.

Medium and long-term contracts with a duration of more than one year would account for more than 75 percent of the supply deals signed by coal and power enterprises both at the central and local levels in 2018, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a document published on Wednesday.

Railways, ports and shipping enterprises should give priority to such contracts, according to the document.