Bahlil Warns Oil-Driven Tensions Could Spread, Citing Situation in ASEAN
Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia warned that strong global demand for oil amid price rises caused by geopolitical tensions could trigger conflict between countries. He also referred to tensions in Southeast Asia, or ASEAN, in recent days.
Bahlil said the current global energy market was prompting every country to secure oil supplies to meet domestic needs. Competition for energy sources, he said, could heighten the risk of tensions if not properly anticipated.
He made the warning at the Upstream Oil and Gas Forum at the Kempinski in Jakarta on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Although he referred to tensions in Southeast Asia, he did not specify which countries or issues he meant.
“Right now, most countries are looking for oil. Be careful: oil could cause tensions everywhere. In the past few days, there have also been tensions in Southeast Asia. This could be dangerous, with systemic, massive and structured impacts,” Bahlil said.
High oil demand prompts countries to secure supplies
Bahlil said strong global demand for oil presented a challenge for countries that rely on energy to support economic activity and meet domestic consumption.
The situation has become more complex because geopolitical tensions have pushed up oil prices. In these circumstances, governments in various countries tend to prioritise the availability of their own energy supplies.
Securing domestic needs is a major concern because oil is a strategic commodity that affects a country’s energy security.
However, when many countries try to obtain supplies at the same time, competition for oil could trigger wider tensions. Bahlil warned that the impact could become systemic and widespread if the situation is not managed properly.
He also referred to developments in ASEAN. However, Bahlil gave no further details about the nature of the tensions or any direct link between them and competition for oil supplies.
His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining energy security amid a shifting global geopolitical landscape.