Coal prices surge as power crunch upends effort to cut emissions

Benchmark prices in Asia are at a 13-year high and within striking distance of a record. File pic shows coal being unloaded at Tanjung Bruas, Malaysia.)

NEW YORK: Prices for coal are surging around the world as a shortage of natural gas spurs demand for the dirtiest fossil fuel to generate electricity.

Benchmark prices in Asia are at a 13-year high and within striking distance of a record.