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

Monday, 15 July 13
INDO COAL SWAPS ARE STRUGGLING FOR RIGHT DIRECTION
COALspot.com –  Indo coal swaps are struggling to find the right direction. Sub-Bit Indonesia coal swaps (FOB ) for average August 2013 d ...


Friday, 12 July 13
U.S. PRODUCED 18.40 MMST COAL WEEK ENDED 6 JULY 2013
COALspot.com – United states the world’s second largest coal producer produced totaled approximately 18.40 million short tons (mmst) of ...


Thursday, 11 July 13
PANAMAX: PACIFIC ROUND PAY AROUND $6,500/D; ATLANTIC ROUND VOYAGE PAY AROUND US$ 10,000/D - FEARNLEYS AS
Handy The Feast market is quiet, July date cargoes remain unfixed as there is a gap between what owners aiming and charterers willing to pay. There ...


Wednesday, 10 July 13
DRY BULK MARKET IS STILL STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE - INTERMODAL
COALspot.com : With the first half of the year now behind us and, as expected, most shipping segments in the dry bulk market are struggling to survi ...


Tuesday, 09 July 13
COAL PRICE REMAINS SLUGGISH - TRIMEGAH
COALspot.com - Newcastle coal price has reached US$ 76.30/ton (-15.9% YTD), bringing YTD’13 average to stand at US$ 87.90/ton, 6.80% lower tha ...


   841 842 843 844 845   
Showing 4211 to 4215 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 ...

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