Fuel Purchases Not Yet Restricted, Bahlil Reminds Public to Use Sparingly

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the government has not imposed restrictions on fuel purchases, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify. Nevertheless, he reminded the public to use fuel prudently and not excessively. “I want to convey that we should use energy wisely. Please, petrol stations are not for industry. Please use them judiciously,” Bahlil stated during an inspection at a petrol station in Colomadu, Central Java, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday (26/3/2026), as reported by detikFinance. He also advised the public against panic buying, suggesting that fuel purchases should align with daily requirements. “If one day, say, it’s enough— for example, 30 litres, 40 litres, that’s sufficient. No need for panic buying, there’s no need. So use it sparingly,” Bahlil requested. Additionally, Bahlil addressed the issue of vehicle queues, particularly trucks, suspected of buying fuel for resale. He viewed such practices as potentially disrupting distribution and availability. “Don’t let there still be queues at petrol stations—trucks, when their contents aren’t for transport, but they queue up and then sell it again,” he continued. In response to these practices, Bahlil will continue to monitor the field to prevent such occurrences. He believes that such actions could disrupt energy supplies to the public. “Yes, I’m reviewing the field continuously. And I ask, in conditions like this, brothers and sisters on this side and that, we must all be wise in facing the existing global crisis,” Bahlil said.