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, 09 July 15
CPP MARKET : POSITIVE IN THE SHORT TERM - GEORGE VASTARDIS
Despite the traditionally quieter summer period, the clean tanker market has so far experienced healthy activity especially East of Suez. Increased ...


Thursday, 09 July 15
LACK OF FRESH BUSINESS IN THE PACIFIC LEFT CAPESIZE RATES MOVING SIDEWAYS - INTERMODAL
COALspot.com: Intermodal ship broker says in its weekly report that, a different picture from what we saw the previous week was painted during the ...


Wednesday, 08 July 15
RIO TINTO'S MODERNISED KITIMAT SMELTER BEGINS PRODUCTION; KITIMAT BECOMING ONE OF THE LOWEST COST SMELTERS IN THE WORLD
COALspot.com: Rio Tinto is preparing its first shipments of metal from its world-class Kitimat aluminium smelter in Canada following an extensive m ...


Wednesday, 08 July 15
Q3'15 INDONESIA COAL SWAP DECLINED 3.14% MONTH OVER MONTH
COALspot.com: Indonesian coal swap for delivery Q3 2015 declined month on month and week over week, this past week. The Q3 swap was declined $ ...


Tuesday, 07 July 15
FOB RICHARDS BAY COAL SWAPS DECLINED WEEK OVER WEEK
COALspot.com: API4 FOB Richards Bay Coal swap for delivery Q3' 2015 declined month over month and week over week. The Q3 swap was down US$ ...


   586 587 588 589 590   
Showing 2936 to 2940 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,642
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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