Bahlil Claims to Have Secured Alternative Oil Import Sources Outside the Middle East

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia claims to have obtained alternative sources for importing crude oil outside the Middle East. He assures that fuel oil stocks are secure. “Our crude imports from the Middle East are 20%. Now we have found new crude sources besides the Middle East. Please do not ask where from. Clearly, insyaallah, everything is in place,” Bahlil explained, as reported by detikFinance on Friday (27/3/2026). Bahlil stated that the fuel oil stock situation has been discussed with Pertamina. So far, fuel oil stocks are deemed safe. “We have just formulated with Pertamina regarding anticipatory steps related to our fuel oil stocks. So our fuel oil stocks are insyaallah in a safe condition,” Bahlil said. Meanwhile, for gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Bahlil asked the public to be more prudent in its use. He noted that around 70% of national LPG needs are still met from abroad. “LPG requires joint effort, and I suggest to the public that we be wise in using LPG,” Bahlil said. Although current domestic LPG and fuel oil stocks are still in a safe condition, Bahlil reminded the public to truly conserve. “But whatever the global situation, it requires us all to make efforts. Once again, I state that this effort is to be more prudent in using energy even if we have the money, but if the goods require us to compete with other countries, well, we must really safeguard it, that’s what I mean, don’t take it elsewhere,” Bahlil remarked.