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, 25 October 21
A QUESTION OF POSSESSION - THE BALTIC EXCHANGE
Possession and tangibility are closely related concepts long established under English law. Yet a change to these concepts is around the corner. Th ...


Monday, 25 October 21
CHINA VOWS TO SEVERELY PUNISH MARKET VIOLATIONS AMID LOW COAL FUTURES PRICES - GLOBAL TIMES
Domestic coal futures had plunged for three consecutive trading days after the government vowed to crack down on soaring prices, and China’s ...


Monday, 25 October 21
FARMERS MAY JOIN THE COAL COMMODITY MARKET TO REDUCE RISKS - GLOBAL TIMES
A recent trip to by the Global Times to East China’s Shandong Province to get a glimpse of China’s coal supply chain revealed a surpris ...


Monday, 25 October 21
CHINA COAL PRICES MARK WORST WEEK SINCE MAY ON GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION - REUTERS
China’s thermal coal futures plunged on Friday and turned in their worst week in five months, following Beijing’s strongest interventio ...


Friday, 22 October 21
THE BIG PICTURE: ENERGY MARKETS - BREAK WAVE ADVISORS
The shipping markets have been pulled further into wild markets of coal and other energy sources. Given how nebulous this sector is, it’s alw ...


   86 87 88 89 90   
Showing 436 to 440 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,634
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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