DUSHANBE, July 1, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Tajikistan has reportedly begun to supply coal to Pakistan.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI), Tajikistan shipped 6,500 tons of coal to Pakistan in May-June this year.  “The sides are currently conducting negotiations on increasing Tajik coal shipments to Pakistan,” the source said.

According to the statistical data, over the first six months of this year, Tajikistan has produced more than 46,172 tons of coal, which is 9,250 tons more than in the same period last year.  The produced coal is now realized through 1,906 special coal-selling outlets.

Tajikistan’s current coal stocks amount to some 50,000 tons, including last year’s remainder, the source added.

The Customs Service says that over the first four months of this year, Tajikistan has imported some 4,400 tons of coal.