Bahlil Assures Pertalite Fuel Price Will Not Increase Despite Global Oil Breaching 118 US Dollars

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured the public that subsidised fuel prices, specifically Pertalite, will not increase despite surging global oil prices.

Global crude oil prices have reached 118 US dollars per barrel. “I assure you once again, until the festive season inshaallah there will be no increase in subsidised fuel prices,” Bahlil stated when met at the Energy Ministry office in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Bahlil also guaranteed that fuel supplies remain secure to meet public demand during the fasting period until Eid al-Fitr. He urged citizens against making excessive purchases.

“Supply has no problems. For fasting and Eid al-Fitr, everything is guaranteed, there are no issues,” Bahlil said.

The surge in global oil prices has occurred amid escalating Middle East conflict. Brent crude oil prices have reached 118 US dollars per barrel for the first time since 17 June 2022.

Tensions intensified following US and Israeli military strikes on 28 February 2026, which reportedly killed over 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and numerous senior military officials.

Iran subsequently responded with a series of attacks on US military bases, diplomatic facilities, and Israeli cities.

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the US and Israel conducted further aerial strikes targeting Iran’s oil storage facilities in Tehran and surrounding areas. The strikes caused significant damage to multiple oil storage facilities, including the Shahran Oil Depot.