Cutting Supply Chains: Bahlil Tasks Lemigas to Import Crude Oil from Russia

Jakarta, VIVA – The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has tasked the Large Center for Oil and Gas Testing (BBPMGB) Lemigas to import crude oil from Russia.

“Yes, one of them includes oil and gas imports from Russia,” Bahlil stated at the Parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, 8 June 2026.

He explained that this step is part of the realisation of a commitment to import 150 million barrels of oil from Russia, which will be carried out gradually until the end of 2026. This initiative follows President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Russia.

In accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto via Presidential Regulation Number 26 of 2026, which governs the procurement of crude oil, fuel, and/or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) for National Energy Security, Bahlil stated that he will initiate communications with Lemigas.

This communication will involve the Public Service Agency (BLU) in the energy sector, namely Lemigas, to manage imports in the energy sector, including crude oil, fuel, and LPG.

“I will begin communications today, because the President’s directive through the Presidential Regulation expects that energy imports can also be managed by a BLU, in this case, Lemigas,” said Bargo.

According to Bahlil, the objective of managing energy sector imports through Lemigas is to cut the supply chain links that have existed in the import process. He added that importing energy commodities through Lemigas also enables government-to-government (G-to-G) transactions.

“So, if the President enters into cooperation with other countries regarding crude oil, it can be done directly via G-to-G and followed up via G-to-B, through the state. That is the idea,” he explained.

This regulation is enshrined in Article 4 of Presidential Regulation Number 26 of 2026. Article 4, paragraph (3) stipulates that the implementation of imports by a BLU in the energy sector is conducted in accordance with cooperation agreements. A BLU may conduct imports based on cooperation agreements, whether through inter-governmental cooperation or between the Central Government and overseas suppliers.

Furthermore, Article 5 of Presidential Regulation Number 26 of 2026 provides space for both BLUs and Pertamina to conduct import procurement in urgent situations, even if there are price differences based on quantity, product type, country of origin, and delivery time, as per the purchase contract agreements.