By 2025, the ministry will build about 100 model programs to encourage green freight delivery.

"Once the prices move outside of the reasonable range, (we will) take timely measures to regulate the prices," the NDRC said.

Coal and power trade between China and Russia has also been on the rise.

The volume of coal transported by trains and ships in China saw a surge in October and November amid the country's solid efforts to ensure stability in coal supply during this winter, official data showed.

Because of this substantial improvement in efficiency, the number of newly registered businesses has kept a fast pace of growth.

Analysis: China 'adjusts' approach to coal after recent power crisis

Vietnam cuts back on LNG, coal-fired power projects after net zero pledge

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Meng said at a news conference in Beijing that the nation's coal output reached 360 million tons in October, up 4 percent year-on-year.