SHIJIAZHUANG — China's benchmark power coal price dropped slightly during the past week.

The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index (BSPI), a gauge of coal prices in northern China's major ports, stood at 576 yuan (about $81.76 ) per tonne on Aug 7, a drop of one yuan week on week, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co Ltd.

Analysts attributed the lower price to the high stockpile at the end users and weak demand. The recent cool weather in East and South China brought about by typhoon-triggered rains reduced the coal consumption at power plants, according to analysts.

Released by the Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co Ltd every Wednesday, the BSPI is a leading indicator of China's coal prices.