Shenhua Energy Co Ltd , China’s largest producer of coal, sold 19.4 percent more in May than a year ago, as it fed the world’s largest energy consuming nation and raced to meet shortfalls.

The firm produced 13.3 percent more coal last month, or 15.3 million tonnes, it said in an exchange filing on Monday, and sold 19.7 million tonnes.

Exports slid 4.8 percent to just 2 million tonnes. The state-run firm has said it planned to keep 2008 exports flat, holding back the fuel, which fires three-quarters of the country’s power capacity, for use at home.

Coal shortages, along with surging coal prices, have put pressure on Chinese power firms and threaten to trigger power outages as the country heads into the peak summer demand season.