This document discusses how supply and demand interact in markets for energy resources. It explains that economic growth leads to increased consumption of energy, while economic declines decrease consumption and demand. It then provides a table showing how changes in demand or supply affect equilibrium price and quantity. Specifically, it notes that an increase in demand or decrease in supply raises price and quantity, while a decrease in demand or increase in supply lowers price and raises quantity. The document also examines whether the market for coal is perfectly competitive and how fluctuations in coal supply could impact inflation, tax revenue, employment, and black market economic activity.