COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

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

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Recent News

Tuesday, 13 April 10
CHINA COAL SEEING 'STRONG DEMAND,' PUDA COAL CFO SAYS - BUSINESS WEEK
Business Week reported that, China coal prices will increase this year as the nation’s industry expands and a drought in the southwest region ...


Tuesday, 13 April 10
PEABODY, COAL INDIA CONFIRM 'EARLY STAGE' TALKS - MINING WEEKLY
Mining Weekly reported that, US coal-miner Peabody Energy is holding discussions with Coal India, the company said on Monday, after an Australian ne ...


Tuesday, 13 April 10
ANGLO PREDICTS HIGH COAL PRICES, STEADY SUPPLY
Busrep / Reuters  reported that, Coal prices were expected to remain strong this year, while exports would match last year's despite rail cons ...


Tuesday, 13 April 10
THE PANAMAX MARKET CONTINUED TO STRENGTHEN - BRS DRY BULK
Panamax rates continue to beat the market, and the Panamax 4TC is now trading at a 25% premium to the Cape 4TC — the biggest margin since the ...


Monday, 12 April 10
INDIA'S NALCO TO INVEST BIG IN INDONESIA'S ALUMINIUM PROJECT - BERNAMA
Bernama reported that, India's state- owned National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) is to pump in massive investment to set up a aluminium smelter a ...


   1176 1177 1178 1179 1180   
Showing 5886 to 5890 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,622
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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