Sasol, a South African petrochemicals firm, increased coal exports in the year ending June 30 by 5%. This was due to improved freight rail performance as well as higher production at their Thubelisha mine.

The world's largest producer of fuels, chemicals and coal from gas and coal has released a production update. It revealed that the company exported 2.1 millions tons of coal in its fiscal year. This is up from 2,000,000 tons.

The company reported a 2% drop in coal production, from 30.8 to 30.2 millions metric tons, due mainly to the reduction of its mining operations.

The output of Sasol's Secunda operation, where it produces synthetic fuels from coal and chemicals, was flat at seven million tons.

The main reason for the decline in revenue from the chemicals industry is lower prices.

Sasol will release its financial results for the year on August 20.