Ukrainian metal companies on verge of halt

It is reported that metal companies in Ukraine are suffering from poor sales of metal products and problems with coke and iron ore supplies which is forcing them to cut production down and halt plants.
Mr. Vasyl Kharakhulakh, director general of the Metallurgprom association of metal companies, said “Some companies are on the verge of stoppage”. He said that despite the fall in metal products output, a shortage of coke is seen in Ukraine.
He added that “Today the shortage of coke is estimated at 67,000 tons”, he said, adding that imports of coking coal from Russia also fell due to the accident at the Raspadskaya mine. (Interfax)