(p) Taxation
Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, for temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values in the financial statements. However, deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the date of the statement of financial position and are expected to apply to the period when the related deferred tax asset is realized or deferred tax liability is settled.
The principal temporary differences arise from depreciation on oil and gas properties and equipment and provision for impairment of receivables, inventories, investments and property, plant and equipment. Deferred tax assets relating to the carry forward of unused tax losses are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the unused tax losses can be utilized.
The Group also incurs various other taxes and levies that are not income taxes. “Taxes other than income taxes”, which form part of operating expenses, primarily comprise consumption tax (Note 9), resource tax (Note 9), crude oil special gain levy, urban construction tax, education surcharges and business tax.