COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

Submit Your Articles
We welcome article submissions from experts in the areas of coal, mining, shipping, etc.

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


Search News
Latest CoalNews Headlines
Monday, 05 September 11
INDONESIAN COAL BENCHMARK PRICE - ANALYSIS


Analyst : Sunil K Kumbhat
COALspot.com - As a part of the Government’s efforts to stop transfer pricing abuses which have resulted in the loss of production royalties in recent years Govt of Indonesia issued  Regulation No.17 of 2010 entitled "Procedures to Determine the Benchmark Price for Mineral and Coal Sales" .

Apart from  setting out the procedures to determine the benchmark price for the sale of coal and minerals, Regulation  imposes other obligations on mineral and coal producers (that is, the holders of Production Operation IUPs and IUPKs) when making sales.This move has been seen as important as the benchmark Coal price is expected to provide optimum price and help goverment in calculating potential State Revenue. The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

The following are some key points highlights the provisions of regulation  and the likely impact it will have on mine owners, including on their sales activities, royalty calculations and administrative obligations:

Obligation to follow benchmark price
Regulation  provides that mineral and coal producers are obliged to sell minerals and coal based on a regulated benchmark price, whether for domestic or export sales.

The benchmark pricing obligation applies to all minerals and coal sales to third parties, including to any affiliate of the mineral and coal producer (which includes any party that has direct ownership in the holder of a Production Operation IUP or a Production Operation IUPK as well as any party that may indirectly influence the decision-making of such holders).

Determination of benchmark price
Regulation  provides that the benchmark price for  minerals and coal will be determined by the Director General of Minerals and Coal (DGMC) .  The benchmark price for non-metallic minerals and rocks will be determined by either the Governor or the Regent/Mayor, as appropriate.

Different methods will be used to determine the benchmark price for different commodities. For metallic minerals, the DGMC will determine the benchmark price for each metallic mineral monthly using a formula that refers to international market prices. For coal, the DGMC will determine separate benchmark prices for metallurgical coal, thermal coal and low rank coal monthly.No formal definition of low rank coal exists , however in the past ;MEMR has referred to low rank coal as any coal with  gross calorific value( ADB Basis) of less than 5100 kca/kg. The benchmark price for metallurgical and thermal coal will use a formula that refers to the average coal prices based on local and international market indices.As a system  government will determine Coal Price Reference (Harga Batubara Acuan or HPA) by averaging the calorie value of coal in four coal price indexes, namely :

1.Newcastle Coal Index,
2.Global Coal Index,
3.Platts and
4.Indonesia Coal Index (ICI).


The first two indexes represented international price, while the last two indexes represent local coal prices. Each coal category has a weight of 25 percent.  The coal category will divided based on coal quality, which is set at 6,322 kcal/kg (arb), moisture content at 8 percent (arb), sulfur content of 0.8 percent (arb), and ash content at 15 percent (arb).

After determining the Coal Price Reference (HBA), the benchmark coal price (HPB) is then determined. There will be 8 benchmark prices category, representing the quality of the coal, starting from 4,200 up to 7,000 kcal/kg.

For that price of coal other than 8 classes of HPB, prices are determined by interpolation approaches or determining HPB based on a certain formula.

Sales of minerals and coal
The benchmark price is set on the basis of the price paid for Coal at the point of Sale by way of FOB Vessel. Sales of metals, ore, concentrate or other intermediary products can be made :

1.Free on Board (FOB) mother vessel or
2.FOB barge basis.
3.Sales can also be made to end users domestically or in the form of Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) or
4.Cost and Freight (C&F).


In calculating the sales price for FOB mother vessel sales for royalty payment purposes, holders of Production Operation IUPs for metallic minerals must refer to the benchmark price. For  sales that are not made FOB mother vessel basis (including FOB barge sales), the benchmark price may be adjusted by adding or subtracting an amount based on certain recognised costs approved by the DGMC.

While the principle of deducting certain costs from the benchmark price for the purpose of royalty calculations would appear to be reasonable, Regulation  leaves open the possibility that there may be costs that could adjust the benchmark price by being added to, rather than being subtracted from, the benchmark price. The circumstances under which costs would be added to the benchmark price are not yet regulated.

Adjustments can include costs incurred for barging, survey, trans-shipment, treatment as well as refinery and/or metal payable and/or insurance costs. For coal, sales are contemplated in the form of FOB mother vessel, FOB barge, within an island to an end user or on a CIF or CF basis. In calculating the sales price, holders of Production Operation IUPs for coal to be sold FOB mother vessel must refer to the benchmark price. Again, for non-FOB mother vessel sales (including FOB barge sales), certain costs may be added or subtracted as approved by the DGMC.

Under the new sales price regime for coal, the production royalty for FOB mother vessel sales will effectively also be imposed on barge transportation and trans-shipment costs (as well as survey and insurance costs), which are not able to be subtracted from the selling price.

Accordingly, all royalties for FOB mother vessel sales are now assessed on the full delivered cost FOB mother vessel without adjustment for costs. Regulation  provides that further details on the procedures to determine the amount of “adjustment costs” will be set out by the DGMC in a separate DGMC regulation.

Benchmark Price for calculation of royalties
For royalty calculations, regulation  provides that for minerals and coal sales made FOB mother vessel basis, the Government will take the higher of the contractually-agreed price or the benchmark price.  On the other hand, for non-FOB mother vessel sales such as mineral or coal sales by way of FOB barge, the production royalties will be calculated using:

• (a) the contracted sales price, if the contracted sales price is higher than the benchmark price, after adding or subtracting the adjustment amount (adjusted benchmark price); or
• (b) the adjusted benchmark price, if the sales price is the same as or lower than the adjusted benchmark price.

Post sales Reporting
Coal producers are required to submit post-sales reports on the sales of their mineral and coal commodities every month, together with supporting information including invoices and bills of lading,quality reports and barging Costs as well as export declarations and surveyor reports for exported commodities. This  new reporting obligations will add significant  administrative burdens to mining companies.

Sale of coal for certain purposes
Coal of certain types (including fine coal, reject coal and coal with certain impurities) for domestic use may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt (DGMC) which  will issue separate  regulations regarding what types of coal will fall within this exception.

Similarly, coal to be used for certain purposes in the domestic market may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt.

The Govt will issue further regulations on the purposes that will be exempted. Regulation  indicates that coal used for individual needs  or for the development of underdeveloped or poorly developed regions will be exempted from the benchmark pricing requirements.

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


All existing supply contracts ( Both Spot and term Contracts) with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark regulations by 22nd September 2011. Spot sale contracts must be adjusted by no later than six months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 March 2011).

Term sales contracts must be adjusted by no later than 12 months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 September 2011).

Sanctions
Regulation provides that the Government can impose a range of administrative penalties on mineral and coal producers who fail to comply with the provisions of Regulation.

Penalties range from written warnings, temporary suspension of sales, and ultimately, cancellation of the licences’. Due to the severity of such sanctions, mining companies will need to pay particular notice to the requirement of this new regulation.


Indian Impact
For India, the situation will be aggravated by stagnation in domestic production even as demand has increased. With up to 100,000 MW of capacity addition likely in the 12 th plan period starting next year, more coal-based projects may need to scout overseas for fuel.

Three to five years back, domestic coal production was able to keep pace with the demand from power producers. However in 2010, domestic production has remained at a flat level, while there has been a sudden increase in demand from Indian power companies.

With a substantial part of its imported coal requirement already coming from Indonesia, India’s appetite is expected to grow further. India's coal imports from Indonesia are rising every year. In 2010, it overtook Japan to become the second largest importer of Indonesian coal after China. It is expected that  India may become the biggest importer of Indonesian coal in 2012.

The regulation is likely to increase the price of coal mainly for all Indian Power  Projects  using imported coal from Indonesia. The impact on the tariff of such projects may vary, depending upon the quality of imported coal and fuel mix. All existing supply agreements with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark by 22nd September 2011. The implementation of this new regulation will adversely impact all existing and future Coal based power plants importing Coal from Indonesia.The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

Given the long-term demand fundamentals, current high coal price scenario may continue to squeeze margins (of Indian power producers). This may well be the end of the road for cheap Indonesian coal.

Conclusion
Whilst the intention behind the minimum pricing regulation is to stop transfer pricing abuses which according to Govt, have plagued the Indonesian mining industry( particularly the Coal mining Industry) over recent years, the question is whether this intention has been implemented in a way which is inconsistent with genuine , arms -length commercial practices which exist in the market. (updated on 5 Sept 2011)
Analyst By : Sunil K Kumbhat

The views and opinions / conclusion expressed on this analysis is purely the writers’ own



If you believe an article violates your rights or the rights of others, please contact us.

Recent News

Saturday, 11 August 12
INDONESIAN COAL REFERENCE PRICE HAS LOST 27.78 PERCENT YOY
COALspot.com -  Indonesian HBA fell again in August. The monthly coal reference price for coal sales this month fell 3.32 percent. HBA fell ...


Saturday, 11 August 12
SUB-BIT INDONESIA COAL SWAPS SEEN MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
COALspot.com - Sub-Bit Indonesia coal swaps (FOB ) for September 2012 delivery gain 1.29 percent W-o-W on Friday (10 August 2012) closing but lost 1 ...


Friday, 10 August 12
DRY BULK MARKET DROWNING FROM TONNAGE OVERSUPPLY - HELLENIC SHIPPING
The dry bulk market has been overflowing with new building vessels, despite the fact that demand is more or less (and minus the seasonal factors) ri ...


Thursday, 09 August 12
3RD ANNUAL SHALE GAS
Press Release - With the North American shale gas boom, IBC’s 3rd Annual Shale Gas explores optimal strategies to monetize Asia’s domest ...


Wednesday, 08 August 12
EXPLOITASI AIMS TO RAISE RP 2.7T FOR ACQUISITION - THE JAKARTA POST
The Jakarta Post reported that, publicly listed coal miner PT Exploitasi Energi Indonesia (CNKO) is seeking to raise Rp 2.7 trillion (US$286.2 milli ...


   923 924 925 926 927   
Showing 4621 to 4625 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,704
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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