Crossword Genius

Passes around a form of fuel (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coals

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'passes around a form of fuel' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'passes around a' is the wordplay.
'passes' becomes 'cols' (col is a kind of pass).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'cols' placed around 'a' is 'COALS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for coals that I've seen before include "Don't bring them to Newcastle" , "There's little point in bringing them to Newcastle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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