MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. The international prices for thermal and met coal could decline slightly next year, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Dmitry Islamov told reporters on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week 2026 international forum.

"Regarding the price environment for next year, we expect it to remain the same. Prices might be just a few percent lower," he said.

The financial performance of the sector is driven by global prices, coal export volumes, and fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate, Islamov told TASS earlier. The profit margins of Russian coal exporters heading eastbound have increased from zero to 10-15%, while those heading westbound have risen to 2-10%.

The Russian Energy Week international forum is being held in Moscow from October 14 to 16. Roscongress Foundation is the event organizer. TASS is the information partner of the Russian Energy Week.