Coal – A Review Of Changing Market Patterns For Solid Fuels

AMONG the main interesting developments in the coal market have been the changes that have taken place between the consumer groups. Important signs of these changes began to appear many years ago, but in a modest way, and were apparent only to the few fuel experts making broad statistical determinations. It is doubtful, however, that any of these experts appreciated the significance of their early findings, and perhaps none had the imagination to consider how extensive these changes might be eventually with respect to solid fuels sales and distribution. (Reference here will be principally to bituminous coal.) Railroad Fuel Major changes in coal use did become pronounced after World War II, and it did not take an expert to see what was taking place and how serious the impact was likely to be. First, was the case of the steam and diesel locomotives. The railroads had been considered the best coal customers; they were steady and large purchasers and usually paid a better price than most others. Railroad fuel provided the basic mine realization and it often was the source for operating cash during general market slumps. It was the outlet for 20 pct of the bituminous coal production, as much as 110 million tons in 1946.