Budget Remains Strong, Purbaya Assures No Restrictions on Subsidised Fuel!

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that the government has no plans to restrict the distribution of subsidised fuel oil (BBM), even as oil prices continue to fluctuate due to the war between Iran and the United States (US) and Israel.

“No, there are none, don’t worry about it yet,” Purbaya said at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

Purbaya stated that, to date, global crude oil prices have only risen slightly above the macroeconomic assumptions in the 2026 state budget, which is at US$70 per barrel, currently hovering around US$74 per barrel.

Therefore, he considers it too early for the government to interfere with the distribution of subsidised BBM.

“It is still too early with oil prices at just US$74. Even to take action is too soon; it’s only deviated by US$4 from US$70,” Purbaya remarked.

Unlike Indonesia, other countries have already begun cutting BBM distribution and limiting consumption.

The South Korean government, for instance, has started tightening energy use by restricting official vehicle operations and reducing fuel oil (BBM) consumption.

This policy is being taken amid rising risks of global energy supply disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday (24/3/2026) called for a national energy-saving campaign. One key measure is reducing passenger vehicle use in public institutions as part of energy efficiency efforts.

“Currently, the most important thing is not government financial savings, but quickly and effectively channelling funds to the places most in need,” Lee said during a cabinet meeting, as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

Myanmar’s military government has begun implementing a barcode and QR code system to limit vehicle fuel oil (BBM) purchases. This policy comes amid growing concerns over supply shortages.

Myanmar’s Energy Ministry stated that the policy will be enforced nationwide starting next week. In a statement on 23 March, the ministry said that each vehicle will only be allowed to purchase BBM one to two times per week, depending on engine capacity.

“Customers will be allowed to purchase fuel one or two times a week depending on the size of their vehicle engines,” the ministry wrote, as quoted by Bloomberg on Wednesday (25/3/2026).