Citizens Still Engaging in Panic Buying of Fuel, Says Bahlil

Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has addressed continued reports of citizens engaging in panic buying of fuel oil (BBM).

Bahlil reassured the public that the nation’s fuel stocks remain in a secure condition. He confirmed that current reserves are sufficient for approximately 23 days, with storage tanks capable of being immediately refilled.

“Our stocks are in a safe condition. 23 days—there is no need for panic buying. The 23 days refers to what is currently in our tanks,” Bahlil stated at the Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).

He emphasised that fuel supply will always be available, as production and distribution continue unabated.

“But production continues, we keep producing and supplies keep entering. I would ask media colleagues to also convey reassuring information,” he added.

Regarding potential increases to energy subsidy allocations, Bahlil stated that the government has not yet made precise calculations of the increase amount. He attributed this to ongoing developments in global crude oil prices.

“Up to yesterday, my calculations showed that the average from January to now has not exceeded 70 US dollars per barrel. Yesterday it was below 70 USD. Then it rose over the past few days to 80-90, with some at 112 USD per barrel,” Bahlil explained.

“Now it has fallen again, below 100 USD. We will see how it develops,” he continued.

Citizens have formed lengthy queues to purchase fuel, concerned about potential supply reductions due to impacts from conflict in Iran. Over the past week, fuel queues—particularly for diesel—have extended up to one kilometre in length.