Bahlil on National Fuel Stock Lasting Only 20 Days: Storage Capacity Isn't Enough

Jakarta, VIVA – Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has spoken about his remarks regarding Indonesia’s national stock of fuel (BBM) lasting only 20 days. The statement has sparked public concern amid the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

Bahlil said the 20-day stock aligns with the maximum domestic storage capacity. “Indeed, for a long time, our storage capacity for BBM in the Republic of Indonesia has not been more than 21 to 25 days. That is our capacity. So the national standard is at least 20 to 21 days, the minimal standard,” Bahlil told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

Pertamina, according to Bahlil, has also reported that the national BBM stock currently stands at 22–23 days. He then reiterated that stock follows storage capacity. “Why don’t we maintain more than 25 days? If we have it, where would we store it? The storage isn’t enough, is it? The storage isn’t enough,” he said.

Furthermore, Bahlil noted that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the construction of a national BBM storage refinery. “So that our energy resilience exists. God willing, the plan is up to three months. This is the minimum consensus standard globally,” concluded Bahlil.