COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

Submit Your Articles
We welcome article submissions from experts in the areas of coal, mining, shipping, etc.

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


Search News
Latest CoalNews Headlines
Monday, 05 September 11
INDONESIAN COAL BENCHMARK PRICE - ANALYSIS


Analyst : Sunil K Kumbhat
COALspot.com - As a part of the Government’s efforts to stop transfer pricing abuses which have resulted in the loss of production royalties in recent years Govt of Indonesia issued  Regulation No.17 of 2010 entitled "Procedures to Determine the Benchmark Price for Mineral and Coal Sales" .

Apart from  setting out the procedures to determine the benchmark price for the sale of coal and minerals, Regulation  imposes other obligations on mineral and coal producers (that is, the holders of Production Operation IUPs and IUPKs) when making sales.This move has been seen as important as the benchmark Coal price is expected to provide optimum price and help goverment in calculating potential State Revenue. The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

The following are some key points highlights the provisions of regulation  and the likely impact it will have on mine owners, including on their sales activities, royalty calculations and administrative obligations:

Obligation to follow benchmark price
Regulation  provides that mineral and coal producers are obliged to sell minerals and coal based on a regulated benchmark price, whether for domestic or export sales.

The benchmark pricing obligation applies to all minerals and coal sales to third parties, including to any affiliate of the mineral and coal producer (which includes any party that has direct ownership in the holder of a Production Operation IUP or a Production Operation IUPK as well as any party that may indirectly influence the decision-making of such holders).

Determination of benchmark price
Regulation  provides that the benchmark price for  minerals and coal will be determined by the Director General of Minerals and Coal (DGMC) .  The benchmark price for non-metallic minerals and rocks will be determined by either the Governor or the Regent/Mayor, as appropriate.

Different methods will be used to determine the benchmark price for different commodities. For metallic minerals, the DGMC will determine the benchmark price for each metallic mineral monthly using a formula that refers to international market prices. For coal, the DGMC will determine separate benchmark prices for metallurgical coal, thermal coal and low rank coal monthly.No formal definition of low rank coal exists , however in the past ;MEMR has referred to low rank coal as any coal with  gross calorific value( ADB Basis) of less than 5100 kca/kg. The benchmark price for metallurgical and thermal coal will use a formula that refers to the average coal prices based on local and international market indices.As a system  government will determine Coal Price Reference (Harga Batubara Acuan or HPA) by averaging the calorie value of coal in four coal price indexes, namely :

1.Newcastle Coal Index,
2.Global Coal Index,
3.Platts and
4.Indonesia Coal Index (ICI).


The first two indexes represented international price, while the last two indexes represent local coal prices. Each coal category has a weight of 25 percent.  The coal category will divided based on coal quality, which is set at 6,322 kcal/kg (arb), moisture content at 8 percent (arb), sulfur content of 0.8 percent (arb), and ash content at 15 percent (arb).

After determining the Coal Price Reference (HBA), the benchmark coal price (HPB) is then determined. There will be 8 benchmark prices category, representing the quality of the coal, starting from 4,200 up to 7,000 kcal/kg.

For that price of coal other than 8 classes of HPB, prices are determined by interpolation approaches or determining HPB based on a certain formula.

Sales of minerals and coal
The benchmark price is set on the basis of the price paid for Coal at the point of Sale by way of FOB Vessel. Sales of metals, ore, concentrate or other intermediary products can be made :

1.Free on Board (FOB) mother vessel or
2.FOB barge basis.
3.Sales can also be made to end users domestically or in the form of Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) or
4.Cost and Freight (C&F).


In calculating the sales price for FOB mother vessel sales for royalty payment purposes, holders of Production Operation IUPs for metallic minerals must refer to the benchmark price. For  sales that are not made FOB mother vessel basis (including FOB barge sales), the benchmark price may be adjusted by adding or subtracting an amount based on certain recognised costs approved by the DGMC.

While the principle of deducting certain costs from the benchmark price for the purpose of royalty calculations would appear to be reasonable, Regulation  leaves open the possibility that there may be costs that could adjust the benchmark price by being added to, rather than being subtracted from, the benchmark price. The circumstances under which costs would be added to the benchmark price are not yet regulated.

Adjustments can include costs incurred for barging, survey, trans-shipment, treatment as well as refinery and/or metal payable and/or insurance costs. For coal, sales are contemplated in the form of FOB mother vessel, FOB barge, within an island to an end user or on a CIF or CF basis. In calculating the sales price, holders of Production Operation IUPs for coal to be sold FOB mother vessel must refer to the benchmark price. Again, for non-FOB mother vessel sales (including FOB barge sales), certain costs may be added or subtracted as approved by the DGMC.

Under the new sales price regime for coal, the production royalty for FOB mother vessel sales will effectively also be imposed on barge transportation and trans-shipment costs (as well as survey and insurance costs), which are not able to be subtracted from the selling price.

Accordingly, all royalties for FOB mother vessel sales are now assessed on the full delivered cost FOB mother vessel without adjustment for costs. Regulation  provides that further details on the procedures to determine the amount of “adjustment costs” will be set out by the DGMC in a separate DGMC regulation.

Benchmark Price for calculation of royalties
For royalty calculations, regulation  provides that for minerals and coal sales made FOB mother vessel basis, the Government will take the higher of the contractually-agreed price or the benchmark price.  On the other hand, for non-FOB mother vessel sales such as mineral or coal sales by way of FOB barge, the production royalties will be calculated using:

• (a) the contracted sales price, if the contracted sales price is higher than the benchmark price, after adding or subtracting the adjustment amount (adjusted benchmark price); or
• (b) the adjusted benchmark price, if the sales price is the same as or lower than the adjusted benchmark price.

Post sales Reporting
Coal producers are required to submit post-sales reports on the sales of their mineral and coal commodities every month, together with supporting information including invoices and bills of lading,quality reports and barging Costs as well as export declarations and surveyor reports for exported commodities. This  new reporting obligations will add significant  administrative burdens to mining companies.

Sale of coal for certain purposes
Coal of certain types (including fine coal, reject coal and coal with certain impurities) for domestic use may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt (DGMC) which  will issue separate  regulations regarding what types of coal will fall within this exception.

Similarly, coal to be used for certain purposes in the domestic market may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt.

The Govt will issue further regulations on the purposes that will be exempted. Regulation  indicates that coal used for individual needs  or for the development of underdeveloped or poorly developed regions will be exempted from the benchmark pricing requirements.

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


All existing supply contracts ( Both Spot and term Contracts) with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark regulations by 22nd September 2011. Spot sale contracts must be adjusted by no later than six months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 March 2011).

Term sales contracts must be adjusted by no later than 12 months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 September 2011).

Sanctions
Regulation provides that the Government can impose a range of administrative penalties on mineral and coal producers who fail to comply with the provisions of Regulation.

Penalties range from written warnings, temporary suspension of sales, and ultimately, cancellation of the licences’. Due to the severity of such sanctions, mining companies will need to pay particular notice to the requirement of this new regulation.


Indian Impact
For India, the situation will be aggravated by stagnation in domestic production even as demand has increased. With up to 100,000 MW of capacity addition likely in the 12 th plan period starting next year, more coal-based projects may need to scout overseas for fuel.

Three to five years back, domestic coal production was able to keep pace with the demand from power producers. However in 2010, domestic production has remained at a flat level, while there has been a sudden increase in demand from Indian power companies.

With a substantial part of its imported coal requirement already coming from Indonesia, India’s appetite is expected to grow further. India's coal imports from Indonesia are rising every year. In 2010, it overtook Japan to become the second largest importer of Indonesian coal after China. It is expected that  India may become the biggest importer of Indonesian coal in 2012.

The regulation is likely to increase the price of coal mainly for all Indian Power  Projects  using imported coal from Indonesia. The impact on the tariff of such projects may vary, depending upon the quality of imported coal and fuel mix. All existing supply agreements with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark by 22nd September 2011. The implementation of this new regulation will adversely impact all existing and future Coal based power plants importing Coal from Indonesia.The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

Given the long-term demand fundamentals, current high coal price scenario may continue to squeeze margins (of Indian power producers). This may well be the end of the road for cheap Indonesian coal.

Conclusion
Whilst the intention behind the minimum pricing regulation is to stop transfer pricing abuses which according to Govt, have plagued the Indonesian mining industry( particularly the Coal mining Industry) over recent years, the question is whether this intention has been implemented in a way which is inconsistent with genuine , arms -length commercial practices which exist in the market. (updated on 5 Sept 2011)
Analyst By : Sunil K Kumbhat

The views and opinions / conclusion expressed on this analysis is purely the writers’ own



If you believe an article violates your rights or the rights of others, please contact us.

Recent News

Thursday, 21 January 10
HANDYMAX - SHORT PERIOD OWNERS IDEAS ARE AROUND MID/LOW 20S - FEARNLEYS AS
HANDY The  BSI  moved  in  a  downward  direction  since  last  Friday  reflecting  minor a ...


Thursday, 21 January 10
ASF GROUP TO COMMENCE COAL SALES TO CHINA BY FEBRUARY 2010
Sydney-based China energy and resource conduit, ASF Group has struck an agreement to supply coal to China. In September 2009, ASF announced a ven ...


Thursday, 21 January 10
INDONESIA BUKIT ASAM AGREES ON LOWER COAL PRICE
Indonesian state coal miner PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk has agreed with a local power plant to set 2010 coal prices at 23 percent lower than ...


Thursday, 21 January 10
CABOTAGE POLICY POSTPONED
The Transportation Ministry has decided to postpone for one year the full enforcement of the cabotage principle – a maritime term for the proh ...


Thursday, 21 January 10
MEC IN TALKS WITH TATA POWER ON COAL - TRADE
The UAE's Middle East Coal is in talks to supply coal to Tata Power, India's biggest private sector power firm, from its new Indonesian operations ...


   1212 1213 1214 1215 1216   
Showing 6066 to 6070 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,619
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

  • Core Mineral Indonesia
  • Adani Power Ltd - India
  • Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
  • Deloitte Consulting - India
  • Tamil Nadu electricity Board
  • Pinang Coal Indonesia
  • VISA Power Limited - India
  • RBS Sempra - UK
  • Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
  • Star Paper Mills Limited - India
  • Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
  • Indian Energy Exchange, India
  • Posco Energy - South Korea
  • IOL Indonesia
  • PetroVietnam
  • Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
  • Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
  • Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
  • Mjunction Services Limited - India
  • ETA - Dubai
  • PLN Batubara - Indonesia
  • Cosco
  • Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
  • Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
  • Infraline Energy - India
  • Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
  • Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
  • Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
  • Sical Logistics Limited - India
  • Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
  • Arch Coal - USA
  • Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
  • JPower - Japan
  • Wilmar Investment Holdings
  • WorleyParsons
  • Lafarge - France
  • India Bulls Power Limited - India
  • ASAPP Information Group - India
  • Renaissance Capital - South Africa
  • Platts
  • Inco-Indonesia
  • Economic Council, Georgia
  • Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
  • Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
  • Moodys - Singapore
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
  • Shenhua Group - China
  • Maruti Cements - India
  • Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
  • Vitol - Bahrain
  • NALCO India
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
  • Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
  • Jatenergy - Australia
  • IMC Shipping - Singapore
  • Videocon Industries ltd - India
  • ICICI Bank Limited - India
  • Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
  • The University of Queensland
  • Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • CESC Limited - India
  • Marubeni Corporation - India
  • CCIC - Indonesia
  • Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
  • Australian Coal Association
  • IBC Asia (S) Pte Ltd
  • Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
  • EIA - United States
  • GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
  • BRS Brokers - Singapore
  • Commonwealth Bank - Australia
  • Interocean Group of Companies - India
  • Britmindo - Indonesia
  • Central Electricity Authority - India
  • Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
  • Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
  • Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
  • Eastern Coal Council - USA
  • Siam City Cement - Thailand
  • MS Steel International - UAE
  • Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
  • KPCL - India
  • Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
  • Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
  • Idemitsu - Japan
  • Mitra SK Pvt Ltd - India
  • Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
  • Vedanta Resources Plc - India
  • Humpuss - Indonesia
  • Ministry of Mines - Canada
  • Indorama - Singapore
  • Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
  • Aditya Birla Group - India
  • Deutsche Bank - India
  • Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
  • Trasteel International SA, Italy
  • Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
  • Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
  • JPMorgan - India
  • Eastern Energy - Thailand
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited
  • Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
  • Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
  • DBS Bank - Singapore
  • Gupta Coal India Ltd
  • Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
  • Energy Development Corp, Philippines
  • Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
  • Romanian Commodities Exchange
  • Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
  • Sojitz Corporation - Japan
  • World Coal - UK
  • European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
  • Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
  • Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
  • Coeclerici Indonesia
  • Cargill India Pvt Ltd
  • Peabody Energy - USA
  • Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
  • Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
  • Gresik Semen - Indonesia
  • Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
  • Panama Canal Authority
  • Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
  • Petrosea - Indonesia
  • CNBM International Corporation - China
  • Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
  • Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
  • Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
  • KEPCO - South Korea
  • PTC India Limited - India
  • Carbofer General Trading SA - India
  • Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
  • Geoservices-GeoAssay Lab
  • Samsung - South Korea
  • Permata Bank - Indonesia
  • Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
  • World Bank
  • Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
  • GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
  • Indonesian Coal Mining Association
  • Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
  • Tanito Harum - Indonesia
  • TNPL - India
  • globalCOAL - UK
  • Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
  • Independent Power Producers Association of India
  • Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
  • Indogreen Group - Indonesia
  • Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
  • PLN - Indonesia
  • Planning Commission, India
  • Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
  • Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
  • Malabar Cements Ltd - India
  • Bangkok Bank PCL
  • Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
  • OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
  • Chamber of Mines of South Africa
  • Dalmia Cement Bharat India
  • Electricity Authority, New Zealand
  • London Commodity Brokers - England
  • AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
  • EMO - The Netherlands
  • San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
  • Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
  • Argus Media - Singapore
  • Parry Sugars Refinery, India
  • Vale Mozambique
  • GMR Energy Limited - India
  • Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
  • Petron Corporation, Philippines
  • Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
  • Qatrana Cement - Jordan
  • Cemex - Philippines
  • Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
  • Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
  • ACC Limited - India
  • Bank of China, Malaysia
  • Maersk Broker
  • The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
  • SMG Consultants - Indonesia
  • SRK Consulting
  • Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
  • LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
  • Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
  • Coal and Oil Company - UAE
  • UBS Singapore
  • Kobe Steel Ltd - Japan
  • Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
  • Singapore Mercantile Exchange
  • Coal Orbis AG
  • Central Java Power - Indonesia
  • Georgia Ports Authority, United States
  • Bank of America
  • Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
  • McKinsey & Co - India
  • Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
  • Xindia Steels Limited - India
  • Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
  • Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
  • Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
  • Barclays Capital - USA
  • Freeport Indonesia
  • IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
  • Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
  • South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
  • Coal India Limited
  • TRAFIGURA, South Korea
  • Maybank - Singapore
  • Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
  • Ince & co LLP
  • Tata Power - India
  • Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
  • Heidelberg Cement - Germany
  • Mercator Lines Limited - India
  • SMC Global Power, Philippines
  • Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
  • Goldman Sachs - Singapore
  • TGV SRAAC LIMITED, India
  • J M Baxi & Co - India
  • Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
  • Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
  • Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
  • Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
  • Berau Coal - Indonesia
  • Total Coal South Africa
  • Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
  • Thiess Contractors Indonesia
  • Medco Energi Mining Internasional
  • Asia Cement - Taiwan
  • The India Cements Ltd
  • Reliance Power - India
  • TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
  • Bhatia International Limited - India
  • Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
  • Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
  • Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
  • bp singapore
  • Anglo American - United Kingdom
  • Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
  • Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
  • SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
  • Thermax Limited - India
  • NTPC Limited - India
  • HSBC - Hong Kong
  • Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
  • APGENCO India
  • Mitsui
  • Glencore India Pvt. Ltd
  • TANGEDCO India
  • Indonesia Power. PT
  • Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
  • Agrawal Coal Company - India
  • Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
  • Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
  • UOB Asia (HK) Ltd
  • OCBC - Singapore
  • Edison Trading Spa - Italy
  • IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
  • Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
  • Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
  • Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
  • Minerals Council of Australia
  • Malco - India
  • Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd.
  • GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
  • Clarksons - UK
  • Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
  • Surastha Cement
  • Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
  • Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
  • White Energy Company Limited
  • Coaltrans Conferences
  • Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
  • Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
  • Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
  • Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
  • Ministry of Transport, Egypt
  • Indika Energy - Indonesia
  • Fearnleys - India
  • CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
  • The Treasury - Australian Government
  • BNP Paribas - Singapore
  • KOWEPO - South Korea
  • Credit Suisse - India
  • Thai Mozambique Logistica
  • Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
  • Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
  • KPMG - USA
  • TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
  • Latin American Coal - Colombia
  • CoalTek, United States
  • ING Bank NV - Singapore
  • SUEK AG - Indonesia
  • GNFC Limited - India
  • Japan Coal Energy Center
  • Rudhra Energy - India
  • Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
  • Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
  • Russian Coal LLC
  • MEC Coal - Indonesia
  • Inspectorate - India
  • Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
  • PowerSource Philippines DevCo
  • McConnell Dowell - Australia
  • PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
  • Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
  • Bhushan Steel Limited - India
  • ANZ Bank - Australia
  • Adaro Indonesia
  • SASOL - South Africa
  • Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
  • Cement Manufacturers Association - India
  • Cardiff University - UK
  • Platou - Singapore
  • Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
  • Baramulti Group, Indonesia
  • Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
  • Mechel - Russia
  • Xstrata Coal
  • Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
  • Noble Europe Ltd - UK
  • PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
  • Cebu Energy, Philippines
  • Sucofindo - Indonesia
  • Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
  • Runge Indonesia
  • New Zealand Coal & Carbon
  • Merrill Lynch Bank
  • U S Energy Resources
  • SGS (Thailand) Limited
  • Enel Italy
  • Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
  • Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
  • Thailand Anthracite
  • Arutmin Indonesia
  • Thomson Reuters GRC
  • GHCL Limited - India
  • Indian School of Mines
  • Parliament of New Zealand
  • Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
  • Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
  • Bangladesh Power Developement Board
  • GB Group - China
  • International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
  • Shree Cement - India
  • Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
  • Thriveni