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

Saturday, 27 February 21
CHINA'S BENCHMARK POWER COAL PRICE EDGES DOWN - XINHUA
China’s benchmark power coal price dropped slightly during the past week.   The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index (BSPI), a gauge ...


Saturday, 27 February 21
FITCH RATINGS REVISES GLOBAL METALS AND MINING PRICE ASSUMPTIONS
Fitch Ratings has revised some of its metals and mining price assumptions as prices for many commodities will benefit in the short term from return ...


Saturday, 27 February 21
MITSUBISHI PULLS OUT OF VINH TAN 3 COAL PROJECT IN VIETNAM - NIKKEI ASIA
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. decided Thursday to withdraw from the Vinh Tan 3 coal-fired power plant project in Vietnam amid growing int ...


Thursday, 25 February 21
ARE WE ON THE CUSP OF ANOTHER MINING SUPER-CYCLE? - WOOD MACKENZIE
As the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic began to bite, many observers confidently predicted that the end was nigh for global economic activit ...


Thursday, 25 February 21
2020 PROVED TO BE A TRULY TERRIBLE YEAR FOR SEABORNE COAL TRADE - BANCHERO COSTA
Total loadings in the 12 months of 2020 were down -12.7% year-on-year to 1,130 million tonnes, according to vessels tracking data from Refinitiv, s ...


   125 126 127 128 129   
Showing 631 to 635 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,634
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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