Bahlil and Purbaya work to prevent subsidised fuel price hikes amid crisis

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, together with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, is working to ensure that the prices of subsidised fuels, such as Pertalite and diesel, do not rise amid the energy crisis.

“I, along with the Finance Minister, are continuously seeking the best solutions. Even in the midst of the crisis, we remain attentive to the condition of the people,” Bahlil stated during an inspection in Central Java, monitored online from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta on Thursday.

President Prabowo Subianto has reportedly instructed Bahlil and Purbaya to find a way out that does not burden the people amid the global energy crisis caused by the war between the United States (US)-Israel and Iran.

So far, he continued, there are no plans to raise prices for subsidised fuels. Energy stocks, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, are still safe.

Therefore, he requested public support in the form of wise energy consumption and avoiding hoarding, so that domestic fuel stocks can remain stable.

The energy crisis was triggered by the war between the United States (US)-Israel and Iran. Tensions in the Persian Gulf region have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on 28 February, which has so far reportedly killed around 1,340 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has also taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil supplies, with the majority of energy supplies for Asian countries passing through that area.