SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 14 (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 north China's major ports, stood at 576 yuan (about 81.76 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd.

Analysts said that affected by Typhoon Lekima, transportation around the Bohai Sea has been hindered and the weak situation of coal supply and demand has persisted. Meanwhile, The recent cool weather in east and south China brought about by typhoon-triggered rains reduced the coal consumption at power plants, according to analysts.

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