Full Implementation Set for 1 October: Progress Update on B50 Biodiesel Distribution

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is targeting the full implementation of the fuel blending programme—mixing diesel with palm oil to create 50% Biodiesel (B5<0xA0>50)—throughout Indonesia starting 1 October 2026. Currently, national distribution of B50 has reached 80%.

Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of ESDM, emphasised that the government continues to supervise all distribution business entities to ensure product availability during the remaining month of the transition period.

“B50 is still under supervision; this has been ongoing for two months. In terms of achievement, B50 delivery at Pertamina has already exceeded 90%,” she stated during The 12th Indonesia EBTKE ConEx 2026 at Jiexpo, as reported on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Distribution achievements by PT Pertamina (Persero) were recorded higher than the national average, which includes private companies. The government has provided additional time until the end of September to allow all distributors to complete their stock transition processes, ensuring the target for uniform B50 usage can be realised next month.

“If we look at the total, there is the non-Pertamina sector that also handles distribution, bringing the national average to 80%. We are monitoring this final month to ensure B50 is fully distributed,” she added.

The implementation of B50 makes Indonesia the first country in the world to successfully apply a 50% palm oil blend into diesel fuel. This achievement is being prepared for publication in international scientific journals to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a primary global reference for bioenergy development.

“With B50, we are actually pioneers in the world. There are no scientific journals yet stating the existence of B50; our researchers are currently writing to publish this in the international sector,” she explained.

As the supervision of B50 distribution nears completion, the government has begun technical studies for plans to increase the blend to the B60 stage. The target is for B60 implementation to take place by 2027.

“Regarding B50, we are pioneers. My researchers are currently studying how we might realise B60, perhaps by adding 10% HVO to the 50% blend,” she concluded.