Bahlil Examining Fuel-Saving Policy Measures

JAKARTA — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the government is currently examining several alternatives to conserve fuel oil (BBM) consumption.

This was stated by Bahlil in response to several countries that have already implemented fuel conservation policies, such as mandatory work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

“We are currently conducting a review of all the alternatives that we will use for the benefit of our nation, whilst also promoting efficiency in fuel consumption,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).

He merely stressed that the government was still exploring various alternatives.

“But there is no definite decision yet, because all alternatives are in an unstable condition. We must explore various options,” he added.

The US-Israel conflict with Iran continues to shake global energy supplies, with impacts already being felt in several Asian countries.

In Vietnam, for instance, the Ministry of Commerce has asked businesses to encourage their employees to work from home to conserve fuel consumption.

The government has also urged the public not to hoard or speculate on fuel supplies.

Vietnam is among the countries most affected by supply disruptions due to the Iran conflict, given its high dependence on energy imports from the Middle East.

Higher education institutions have switched to online lectures during the same period.

Government offices, except for banking, will operate four days per week, with half of civil servants working from home.

Fuel allocations for official vehicles have been cut by half for two months, with exemptions only for ambulances and public buses.

Purchases of new government vehicles have also been postponed until June 2026.