Bahlil Assures No Restrictions on Fuel Subsidies Yet, Stocks Secure

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that the government will not restrict subsidies on fuel oil (BBM) and that stocks remain secure amid global oil price fluctuations.

“This means there will be no increase in subsidies (for BBM). It remains the same,” Bahlil stated at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office in Jakarta on Friday (27/3).

He emphasised that the BBM subsidy policy continues as it is currently. However, the government will continue to monitor global developments, which are considered highly dynamic, on a weekly or monthly basis.

“That’s why we will follow this dynamic. The dynamics are very fast. It could be per week or per month,” said the Golkar Party politician.

According to him, the government’s top priority is to ensure that BBM stocks are maintained and fulfilled across all regions of Indonesia.

“What is important for us is to ensure that all BBM stocks can be cleared,” he said.

Bahlil also affirmed that national BBM stocks are in a safe condition and meet the minimum standards set amid escalating tensions in the war between the United States (US) and Iran.

“Our BBM stocks, God willing, are in a safe condition,” he stressed.

In addition to BBM, the government is also paying attention to the availability of LPG, which still relies on imports. He encouraged the public to be more prudent in using energy, particularly LPG, as the majority of energy commodities come from imports.

“I advise the public to be wise in using LPG. Once again, I say that the effort is to be more prudent in using it. We know that our LPG is 70% imported,” he added.

Nevertheless, he assured that LPG supplies are still in a safe condition to date and distribution is proceeding as planned.

“But up to today, the condition is clear. The ships we purchased from several countries are still on track. So, God willing, it’s safe,” he stressed.

He also emphasised that energy availability does not only depend on financial capability but also on global competition to obtain supplies.

“Even if we have the money, but if the goods have to be competed for with other countries. Well, we really have to guard it. That’s what I mean. Don’t take it anywhere,” he said.