FRANKFURT — A European Union embargo of Russian coal imports would cause prices to rise before alternatives become available, German coal importers’ association VDKi claimed on Friday.

The European Commission proposed this week a fifth set of sanctions on Russia to address civilian death in Bucha, Ukraine.

In a press release, the VdKi stated that it believes prices will rise in the near term because of changes in the flow and supply of some coal quality.

According to a survey by its 44 member businesses, which import large amounts of coal to German power plants and steelmakers foundries and heat producers, 60% expect prices to stay stable in the medium and long-term.

VDKi announced Wednesday that alternate supplies will be available for peak season winter demand.

Germany imported about 18.2 million tonnes Russian coal to power generation last year and approximately 2.3 million tonnes for use other than that purpose. That accounts roughly for half its total demand.

VDKi reported that traders and customers had begun to flee Russia since September due to logistical problems.

Futures on benchmark European API2 coke for 2023 come in at less than $214 per ton, which is almost three times what it was a year ago.

Sources confirmed to Reuters that a ban by the EU on Russian coal, the first such on the sector’s energy, will take effect in mid-August. It was a delay of a month due to Germany’s pressure.

Karen Pittel from the Ifo institute said an embargo was “uncomfortable in a short-term, however manageable”.

Russia claims it is able to sell its coal anywhere else. Russia denies that it targeted civilians in a so-called “special military operation” against Ukraine.