Originally Posted by Barry-xlovecam

The average heat content of coal produced in the United States was about 19.88 million British thermal units (Btu) per short ton (2000 pounds)

One short ton (.91 metric ton) of light crude oil = 39,059,909 Btu

Now figure the tanker v. cargo ship costs -- it is not worth intercontinental transport -- freight trains over short distances only -- coal is a very common mineral mined in many places locally.