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

Tuesday, 27 August 13
AUSTRALIA NEWCASTLE COAL EXPORTS JUMPED 15.59 PERCENT ON WEEK
COALspot.com: Power plant and semi-soft coking coal shipments from Australia's Newcastle port up 15.59 per cent week on week to 2.76 million mt for ...


Monday, 26 August 13
CARRIAGE OF COAL CARGOES FROM KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA - WEST OF ENGLAND P&I CLUB
The Club has recently been advised by consulting scientists and engineers Dr J H Burgoyne and Partners (International) Limited that the number of in ...


Sunday, 25 August 13
API 8 CFR SOUTH CHINA COAL: HEADING TO NORTH
COALspot.com –  Sub-Bit Indonesia coal swaps (FOB ) for average Q4 2013 delivery US$ 2.39 up month on month. The swap was moved positive ...


Sunday, 25 August 13
THE FREIGHT MARKET S7 & S8 SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO BE STEADY/FIRM NEXT WEEK - VISTAAR
COALspot.com - The freight market continued to be firm with all indices moved positive except for Panamax which was slightly down (2 pct down). T ...


Friday, 23 August 13
US PRODUCED MORE COAL WEEK ON WEEK - EIA
COALspot.com – United states the world’s second largest coal producer produced totaled approximately 20.80 million short tons (mmst) of ...


   829 830 831 832 833   
Showing 4151 to 4155 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,617
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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