Operations at Payra port have slowed down significantly following the temporary stoppage of coal imports for the Payra Thermal Power Plant in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali.

The government is going to import one lakh tonnes of coal to build a stockpile, said State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid yesterday.

China says it is restricting trade with North Korea, announcing bans on gold and some coal imports and jet fuel exports, in line with UN sanctions.