Bahlil Guarantees Fuel Supply Security, Urges Public Against Panic Buying
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has guaranteed that the national fuel supply remains secure amidst supply disruptions and rising energy prices resulting from the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
He has appealed to the public not to purchase fuel excessively or engage in panic buying. According to him, the government together with Pertamina has ensured fuel supplies remain adequate to meet public demand, particularly ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
“There is really no need for panic buying. Supply is not a problem. Everything is guaranteed for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, there is no issue,” said Bahlil at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in Jakarta on Monday (9 March 2026).
Currently, approximately 25 per cent of Indonesia’s crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, whilst the remainder is supplied from other countries such as Angola in Africa, the United States, and Brazil.
“So the problem we face now is not with stocks—stocks are fine and we have adequate supplies. Our current concern is with pricing,” said Bahlil.
Crude oil prices have indeed continued to rise as the Middle East conflict remains volatile. Current crude oil prices are at 92 US dollars per barrel, and have even breached 100 US dollars per barrel. This figure is significantly higher than the 2026 state budget assumption, which set the price of Indonesian crude oil (ICP) at 70 US dollars per barrel.
Nevertheless, Bahlil assured that subsidised fuel prices, namely Pertalite and Biosolar, will not increase despite surging global crude oil prices.
According to him, the government is preparing comprehensive measures to respond to rising global oil prices.
“I assure the public that they need not worry about pricing, because until Eid, God willing, there will be no increase in subsidised fuel prices,” he said.
Consequently, Pertamina has also urged the public to purchase fuel according to their needs without excess or hoarding.
“We continue to ensure the availability of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas supplies for the public,” said Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun in a statement on Friday (6 March 2026).