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

Wednesday, 07 April 21
KOMIPO ISSUED A TENDER FOR TOTAL 1,560,000 METRIC TONS OF BITUMINOUS COAL
COALspot.com: South Korea state-owned utility Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) issued a tender for total 1,560,000 Metric Tons of Bituminous coal for i ...


Wednesday, 07 April 21
MARKET INSIGHT - INTERMODAL
Following the end of the catholic easter, during which the majority of shipping market participants were on holidays, it is interesting to note a f ...


Wednesday, 07 April 21
COAL USED TO GENERATE ELECTRIC POWER IN U.S. WILL INCREASE BY 13 PERCENT TO 495 MMST IN 2021 - EIA
EIA expects U.S. coal production to total 585 MMst in 2021, 46 MMst (9%) more than in 2020. In 2022, EIA expects coal production to grow by an addi ...


Wednesday, 31 March 21
CHINA TAIYUAN COAL TRANSACTION PRICE INDEX UP 0.12 PCT - XINHUA
China Taiyuan coal transaction price index stood at 139.03 points Monday, up 0.12 percent week on week.   The index, released by China ...


Wednesday, 31 March 21
MARKET INSIGHT - INTERMODAL
Over the past week, the biggest story has been the blockage of the Suez Canal, as a result of the grounding of the container ship Ever Given. At th ...


   120 121 122 123 124   
Showing 606 to 610 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,627
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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