New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-03
INDUSTRY IN
A FUEL PANIC
Shortage of Coal and Coke
Increases the Use of
Natural Gas
Pittsburgh, Pa, Nov. 2.

Inc fuel situation mas become more
acute than at any previous time in
many years. Nothing resembling it has
been recorded since the great antha-
cite strike, and then the causes we're
different. At the present time the fac
tor of price is almost secondary to the
factor of inadequate supply and prompt
delivery. Under normal conditions
from four TO six days are required for
the movement of solid trainloads Of
coke from the Connellsville region to
the Chicago industrial district. Now
fully ten days to two weeks are re-
quired under existing ideal weather
conditions. A corresponding increase
in the length of time required to move
coal and coke longer or shorter dis
tances is experienced. This condition
sggravates the car shortage. The loco
motive and the car are not producing
the normal amount of service. The
longer time required to make delivery
applies TO contract coke selling at So to
SO a ton as well as to spot coke selling
at IS a ton, and the temptation TO hold
a little "free" coal and coke to sell at
the higher prices is what is troubling
the big contract consumers, who are
urgent in demanding their full quota
of shipments.
While the shortage in labor is as
serious as ever, the greater drawback is
insufficient transportation facilities and
congestion of terminals. The big coal
companies suffer from an additional
handicap. Unlike the steel companies,
they cannot furnish . return haul for
rolling stock. As consequence, the
supply Of cars for the steel companies is
relatively better than that for the coal
companies, hence the complaint over
the negotiable distribution Of cars.
Shippers Dread Coming of Winter.
Shippers do not like to contemplate
what will happen when winter sets in.
One large independent producer of coal
and coke in this district says that fall
of 10 degrees below freezing point al
ways has very appreciate effect in
retarding the loading and movement Of
this kind of freight, and a few inches
of snow added to freezing weather re-
duces the efficiency enormously.
While there is no probability Of ex-
listing conditions becoming chronic, and
just as little probability of high aver
age prices being indefinitely maintained,
it Is nevertheless true that the subject
Of overcoming labor shortage and re-
ducing waste in fuel consumption is
receiving more attention to-day than
ever before. Within the past sir or eight
months important Improvements have
been made in coal-mining machinery, it
being claimed for one new invention
that it not only greatly reduces the
number of men required to produce a
given output, as compared with older
mining machines, but that the amount
W o'"Nn AcouiSihb iIoH operations Is
reduced to an insignificant amount.
Gas Companies to Benefit
The high price of coal for domestic
consumers as well as for steam users 1.
expected to be Of great benefit 70 the
natural gas companies. According to
official estimates 35 per cent Of the pro-
ductlon Of natural gas in the United
States last year was distributed to do
nestle consumers at an average price
OF 1882 cents a thousand cubic feet,
while So per cent was used in indus
trial plants at an average cost of 81
cents. With run-mne OF coal now
quoted at $3.50 to So a ton at mines in
Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, il is
expected that domestic consumers will
not object TO the payment Of higher
prices for natural gas.
Gas companies are 10th 70 make con-
tracts and guarantee supply during the
winter months because OF conditions
over which they have no control and
which might involve suits for damages
TO large consumers. Little or no relief
from the fuel famine as il may affect
steam users is therefore expected from
increased use Of natural gas, although
the latter will probably be the recourse
Tor an increasing number Of domestic
consumers