Jul. 10 - China's benchmark price for power-station coal fell for a ninth consecutive week, the longest period of losses since 2008, as slowing economic growth and increased use of hydropower slowed electricity demand.

Coal with an energy value of 5,500 kilocalories per kilogram fell to 645 yuan to 660 yuan ($101.25-$103) per metric ton on Sunday, according to data from the China Coal Transport and Distribution Association. The association said the average price was 2.6 percent less than the previous week and the lowest since Nov 16, 2009.