ST. PETERSBURG, June 16. /TASS/. Coal production in Russia in five months of 2023 increased by 1.5% year-on-year, while exports grew by 2%, Minister of Energy Nikolay Shulginov said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"Coal production in five months increased by almost 1.5% compared to last year, exports are around 2% higher," he said.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that coal production in Russia in 2022 amounted to 443.6 mln metric tons. According to the Ministry of Energy, coal exports decreased by 1% last year to 221.2 mln metric tons.

The 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) — Russia’s showcase annual economic and business event — is being held on June 14-17. The theme of this year’s forum is: "Sovereign Development as the Basis of a Just World: Joining Forces for Future Generations." TASS is the official information partner of the event.

SPIEF’s expanded business program offers attendees the opportunity to participate in more than 140 sessions featuring over 1,000 moderators and speakers, according to event organizer Roscongress Foundation.