COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

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

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Recent News

Thursday, 10 June 21
INDONESIA COAL EARNINGS RECOVERY TO SLOW AFTER STRONG 1Q - FITCH RATINGS
Fitch Ratings expects the recovery in operating and financial performance of Indonesian coal miners and coal contractors to slow during rest of 202 ...


Thursday, 10 June 21
U.S. COAL PRODUCTION TO TOTAL 600 MMST IN 2021, 11% MORE THAN IN 2020 - EIA
EIA expects U.S. coal production to total 600 million short tons (MMst) in 2021, which is 61 MMst (11%) more than in 2020. The increase is dri ...


Wednesday, 09 June 21
SHIPTEK INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS 2021
The In-Person Maritime Event SHIPTEK INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS 2021  culminates successfully in Dubai Press Release: ...


Wednesday, 09 June 21
MARKET INSIGHT - INTERMODAL
“Counter cyclical investments.” usually take place by investing in a “bad” market at the point that ensures that the acquir ...


Saturday, 05 June 21
KOMIPO INVITED 5600 NAR COAL OFFERS FOR THREE YEARS SUPPLY; 520,000 MT PER YEAR
COALspot.com: Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd (KOMIPO) has issued an international tender for total 1,560,000 MT of  Bituminous Coal to be used a ...


   110 111 112 113 114   
Showing 556 to 560 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 ...

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