Inventories
Inventories, including compulsory stock, are measured at the lower of purchase or production cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the amount expected to be realized from the sale of inventories in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale, or, with reference to inventories of crude oil and petroleum products already included in binding sale contracts, the contractual selling price. Inventories which are principally acquired with the purpose of selling in the near future and generating a profit from fluctuations in price are measured at fair value less costs to sell. Materials and other supplies held for use in production are not written down below cost if the finished products in which they will be incorporated are expected to be sold at or above cost.
The cost of inventories of hydrocarbons (crude oil, condensates and natural gas) and petroleum products is determined by applying the weighted average cost method on a three-month basis, or on a different time period (e.g. monthly), when it is justified by the use and the turnover of inventories of crude oil and petroleum products; the cost of inventories of the Chemical business is determined by applying the weighted average cost on an annual basis.
When take-or-pay clauses are included in long-term gas purchase contracts, pre-paid gas volumes that are not withdrawn to fulfill minimum annual take obligations, are measured using the pricing formulas contractually defined. They are recognized under “Other assets” as “Deferred costs” as a contra to “Other payables” or, after the settlement, to “Cash and cash equivalents”. The allocated deferred costs are charged to the profit and loss account: (i) when natural gas is actually withdrawn — the related cost is included in the determination of the weighted average cost of inventories; and (ii) for the portion which is not recoverable, when it is not possible to withdraw the previously pre-paid gas, within the contractually defined deadlines. Furthermore, the allocated deferred costs are tested for economic recoverability by comparing the related carrying amount and their net realizable value, determined adopting the same criteria described for inventories.
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| (12) | For the definition of recoverable amount see the accounting policy for “Property, plant and equipment”. |
| (13) | Impairment losses recognized in an interim period are not reversed also when, considering conditions existing in a subsequent interim period, they would have been recognized in a smaller amount or would not have been recognized. |