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

Monday, 14 December 20
PHILIPPINE BANK RCBC TO STOP LENDING FOR NEW COAL-FIRED POWER PROJECTS - MANILA BULLETIN
Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has forthrightly declared that it will no longer extend financing to new coal-fired power ...


Sunday, 13 December 20
LONGSTANDING DOWNSIDE RISKS TO TRADE OUTLOOK - BALTIC EXCHANGE
The OECD has attempted to put a positive spin on the trade message emanating from its latest economic outlook, released last week.   The ...


Sunday, 13 December 20
INDONESIA COAL OUTPUT AT 514 MILLION TONNES THIS YEAR, 2021 TARGET UNCHANGED - REUTERS
Indonesia coal output in the period to Dec. 10 stood at 514.2 million tonnes, official data from the energy ministry’s website showed. &n ...


Thursday, 10 December 20
MALAYSIA'S CIMB ANNOUNCES COAL FINANCING PHASE-OUT BY 2040 AS ASIA'S FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT DRIVE ACCELERATES - IEEFA
The first emerging markets bank to announce a progressive coal exit policy   Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings (CIMB) has announced ...


Wednesday, 09 December 20
MARKET INSIGHT - INTERMODAL
Heading towards the end of a difficult year and with the entire planet under the shadow of the covid-19 virus, it is interesting to proceed with a ...


   141 142 143 144 145   
Showing 711 to 715 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,617
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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