Fuel Supply Secure, Minister Bahlil Urges Public Not to Panic Buy Petrol

Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia addressed the phenomenon of panic buying of fuel that has occurred in several regions recently, particularly following reports that domestic fuel reserves could sustain supply for only approximately 23 days.

Bahlil emphasised that the public need not be concerned about Indonesia’s fuel supply. Domestic energy supply is secure and adequate.

“There is actually no need for panic buying. That is why I am asking the media to clarify my statements,” Bahlil said at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry on Monday, 9 March 2026.

According to Bahlil, the conflict between Iran and Israel involving the United States has driven up global oil prices. He clarified that Indonesia’s current challenge is not fuel supply availability, but rather pricing.

“Our problem now is not stocks — stocks have no issues, we have everything. Our problem now is simply the price,” he said.

To address this, Bahlil is preparing comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices. Nonetheless, national fuel supply, including that supplied through Pertamina, remains secure.

The concerns about disruption to global energy supply have triggered fuel panic buying not only in several Indonesian regions but also in various countries worldwide. This phenomenon emerged following escalation of Middle East conflict between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran, which has raised fears of prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which approximately 20 per cent of global oil trade passes.

Several countries have reported long queues of vehicles at fuel stations as the public fears fuel prices will spike or supplies will be disrupted.