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, 01 August 20
SHIP SHAPE - OUCH: FIS
Thursday afternoon saw a report that US GDP in Q2 shrank by 32.9%. Now this may have beaten expectations, but it’s a bit like saying that you ...


Saturday, 01 August 20
ASIA HOPE FOR LONG-TERM OIL DEMAND - BALTIC BRIEFING
Oil demand in Asia Pacific might be expected to plunge 1.8m barrels per day (bpd) this year, but there are still strong prospects for growth over t ...


Friday, 31 July 20
SHORT-TERM IMPACT ON THE CHEMICAL SHIPPING MARKET IF THE INDIA-CHINA DISPUTE ESCALATES - DREWRY
Due to the India-China dispute, the threat of deteriorating trade relations between the two countries has become real. Meanwhile, we expect freight ...


Friday, 31 July 20
PANAMAX: THE PERIOD MARKET REMAINS QUIET WITH FEW FIXTURES REPORTED - FEARNLEYS
Capesize After weeks of dropping rates, there are finally some resistance for the Capes. Pacific rounds improving to upper15,000s by the middle ...


Friday, 31 July 20
PANDEMIC SENDING SOUTH AFRICAN COAL INDUSTRY TO EARLIER GRAVE - IEEFA
Could South Africa’s coal export industry, one of the largest in the world, be about to take a severe hit from the coronavirus?   ...


   169 170 171 172 173   
Showing 851 to 855 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 ...

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