Recently, reports said China's top economic planner urged advanced coal mines having gained approval to boost output to speed up unleashing of new supply, according to a meeting on October 25.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it hopes no further rise in coal prices, and expects miners to add supply to a proper extent to secure winter supply and help stabilize prices.

At the meeting, the NDRC also called miners and utility customers to sign next year's term contracts with both quantity and price settled.

The meeting was the latest in a series of gatherings since early September, reflecting Chinese government's resolve to guarantee supply in the cold winter.

As northern China is heading into the heating season, which usually starts in November to last till March, coal consumption will see a clear increase.

Meanwhile, new supply from advanced mines is expected to flow into the market steadily.

In most areas of the country, coal supply and demand may reach a rough balance this winter, and yet supply shortage could remain in a few other areas.