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, 24 December 09
EUROSEAS LTD. ANNOUNCES TWO-YEAR TIME CHARTER AGREEMENT FOR PANAMAX BULK CARRIER
Euroseas Ltd., an owner and operator of drybulk carriers and container vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for dry bulk and containerize ...


Wednesday, 23 December 09
INDONESIA POWER CHIEF TO BUILD PLANTS OUTSIDE JAVA
Indonesia's state electricity firm plans to build new power plants outside Java island with a combined capacity of around 2,000 megawatts to resolv ...


Wednesday, 23 December 09
BUKIT ASAM SEES CHINA COAL DEMAND BOOST
* Rebound in prices to have pushed up 2009 revs * To more than double Tarahan port capacity Reuters reported that, Indonesian state-owned coal m ...


Wednesday, 23 December 09
MACARTHUR COAL OFFERS TO BUY RIVAL GLOUCESTER
Queensland-based Macarthur Coal will offer to buy fellow Australian Gloucester Coal, in a move to add two new mines and increase coal resources. ...


Tuesday, 22 December 09
CHINA CONTRACTED COAL PRICE FOR 2010 SEES SLIGHT INCREASE
A number of coal and power enterprises have concluded their annual power-coal supply contracts for 2010, and the contracted coal price saw slight in ...


   1228 1229 1230 1231 1232   
Showing 6146 to 6150 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,619
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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