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, 17 September 15
LOW DEMAND PUSH COAL SWAP DOWN
COALspot.com: Indonesian coal swap for delivery 4Q 2015 declined month on month and gain week over week. The 4Q swap declined $ 1.77 (-4.17%) ...


Thursday, 17 September 15
MARKET INSIGHT - KONSTANTINOS KONTOMICHIS
Having experienced, as it was much anticipated, a poor 1st half combined with negative forecasts, summer, in sharp contrast, proved to be more hope ...


Wednesday, 16 September 15
SLOWER GROWTH IN WORLD COAL DEMAND AND LOWER INTERNATIONAL COAL PRICES LED A DECLINE IN INDONESIAN COAL PRODUCTION
COALspot.com: Slower growth in world coal demand particularly China and lower international coal prices have led to a decline in Indonesian coal pr ...


Wednesday, 16 September 15
HIGHER TAXES COULD LEAD GREEK SHIP OWNERS OUT OF THE COUNTRY - NIKOS ROUSSANOGLOU, HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS
A potential taxation overhaul of the shipping industry in Hellas, which could see the loss of particular tax benefits for ship owners, could lead t ...


Tuesday, 15 September 15
WORLD SEABORNE TRADE: ENTERING INTO A ROLE REVERSAL? - CLARKSONS
Over the past decade, world seaborne trade growth has been dominated by dry bulk and container trade. However, developments in the global economy t ...


   561 562 563 564 565   
Showing 2811 to 2815 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,706
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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