Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of coal prices published by EIA?
EIA publishes various coal prices including futures prices, mine prices, captive and open market sales prices, and delivered prices.
- Spot Price is the price for a one-time open market transaction for immediate delivery purchased "on the spot" at current market rates.
- NYMEX Futures Price are prices on contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) for the delivery of a specified quantity of a commodity at a specified time and place in the future.
- Mine Sales Price is calculated from the free on board (FOB) value of coal at the coal mine without any insurance or freight transportation charges added.
- Captive Sales Price is the FOB sale price for coal used by the producing company or sold to affiliated or parent companies.
- Open Market Sales Price is the price of coal sold on the open market to companies other than the reporting company's parent company or a subsidiary of the parent company.
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Last updated: September 5, 2012
Other FAQs about Prices
- Are the prices that EIA publishes adjusted for inflation?
- Does EIA have city or county-level energy consumption and price data?
- Does EIA have gasoline prices by city, county, or zip code?
- Does EIA publish electric utility rate, tariff, and demand charge data?
- How do I calculate/find diesel fuel surcharges?
- How do I compare heating fuels?
- How much does it cost to generate electricity with different types of power plants?
- How much does it cost to produce crude oil and natural gas?
- How much tax do we pay on a gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel?
- What are the differences between various types of crude oil prices?
- What are the different types of coal prices published by EIA?
- What do I pay for in a gallon of regular gasoline?
- What is the outlook for gasoline prices for 2012 and for 2013?
- What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?
- What was the highest U.S. average retail price of regular gasoline?
- What's up (and down) with gasoline prices?
- Where can I find coking coal prices?
- Where can I find ethanol prices?
- Where can I find inflation-adjusted gasoline prices?
- Where can I find out about energy-related grants or tax credits for my home or business?
- Where can I find prices for off-road diesel fuel?
- Where can I get help paying my utility bills?
- Who do I contact to complain about high energy prices?
- Why am I being charged more for propane than the price on EIA's website?
- Why don't fuel prices change as quickly as crude oil prices?
- Why has diesel fuel been more expensive than gasoline?
- Why is the United States exporting gasoline when prices are so high?