PUTTING children on the naughty list is looking a costly move for Santa this year — because the price of a lump of coal is soaring.
Saint Nick traditionally leaves a piece of the black stuff rather than a present in troublemakers’ stockings to encourage them to behave better.
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But the cost of a 50kg bag of coal has jumped by 40 per cent over the past decade — and is now £25 compared with £15 in 2012.
That also makes it more than two-and-a-half times the price it was in 2002.
Coal prices have risen this year to an all-time high.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted most countries to find alternatives to Kremlin oil, pushing up the price.
Sanctions on Russian coal have also caused prices to rise globally as there have been supply shortages in some markets.
It means the tradition of coal in stockings — dating back hundreds of years and with roots in German folklore — might need a rethink.
Catherine Shuttleworth, retail analyst at Savvy Marketing, said: “Santa faces some tough choices this year and may have to tighten his belt as the cost of Christmas has rocketed.
“From the increased price of reindeer feed, soaring energy costs to keep his workshop running and even lumps of coal for those who haven’t been as good as they should.
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“It means that Santa will be paying a lot more for his coal than he was last Christmas.”
However, rewarding well-behaved children with cheap and cheerful stocking fillers is also becoming less affordable.
The typical price of such gifts now comes in at £37, analysts say.
