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

Sunday, 01 September 13
INDONESIA TO INDIA SPOT FREIGHT STAYS FIRM THIS WEEK - VISTAAR
COALspot.com: The freight market continued to be firm with even though the BDI and Cape index dropped by about 3 pct week on week. The BDI was do ...


Friday, 30 August 13
US COAL PRODUCTION FELL 0.48 PERCENT WEEK ON WEEK - EIA
COALspot.com – United states the world’s second largest coal producer produced totaled approximately 20.70 million short tons (mmst) of ...


Thursday, 29 August 13
HANDY: THE PACIFIC MARKET STARTED HEALTHY THIS WEEK - FEARNRESEARCH
Handy The Pacific market started healthy this week. We have seen many bauxite, iron ore and few coal fixtures. Ships passing Singapore were able to ...


Thursday, 29 August 13
NO RATING IMPACT ON INDONESIAN ENERGY COMPANIES FROM RUPIAH DEPRECIATION - FITCH RATINGS
Fitch Ratings says the credit profiles of rated Indonesian energy and utilities companies, including thermal coal producers, will largely remain una ...


Wednesday, 28 August 13
THE BDI HAS MOVED TO LEVELS CONSIDERABLY STRONGER THAN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR - INTERMODAL
By George Bassakos SnP Broker - Intermodal We have already reached the end of August and whilst students are preparing themselves for another sc ...


   828 829 830 831 832   
Showing 4146 to 4150 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,620
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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