SHIJIAZHUANG, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's benchmark power coal price remained flat 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 579 yuan (86.3 U.S. dollars) per tonne on Wednesday, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd.

Analysts said a number of factors helped stabilize the coal prices after a short period of rise.

While environmental and security supervisions are still ongoing, major coal producers have re-started their production, increasing the supply. Besides, the impact of policy restrictions on imported coal was smaller than expected.

Meanwhile, stable storage in the northern Chinese cities of Qinhuangdao, Tangshan and Cangzhou has also kept the coal price from rising.

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