Putin urges more support for Russian coal industry

MOSCOW, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the coal market will remain significant in the decades to come and urged the government to set up mechanisms to support the industry.

Russia's coal sector is struggling with a host of problems including low prices, international sanctions and the strength of the rouble, which makes its exports less competitive.

Speaking about the wider energy sector, Putin said Western equipment may become unavailable at any time for geopolitical reasons, so Russia needed to become a technology leader rather than a buyer.