Government Considers Work-From-Home Policy to Curb Fuel Consumption

JAKARTA — The government is examining a work-from-home (WFH) policy as one of several measures to reduce fuel consumption in response to Middle East conflicts that have disrupted global oil supplies and prices.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the policy remains under discussion and has not yet become a final decision.

“There are indeed several steps we will take, but we are still examining them, including whether we need WFH. In my view, all possibilities can occur, what matters is that fuel conservation is also important,” he said at the Energy Ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Global crude oil prices have now breached USD 100 per barrel, exceeding the 2026 State Budget assumption that pegged Indonesian crude oil (ICP) at USD 70 per barrel.

Therefore, Bahlil stated, the government is considering several conservation measures to prevent the burden of energy subsidies from increasing.

“Besides saving on imports, this also saves expenditure for all Indonesian people,” he said.

Nevertheless, Bahlil emphasised that the condition of national energy supply remains safe and under control.

The government is also ensuring additional supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the near future to meet public demand ahead of the religious holidays.

“By the end of this month there will be additional LPG supply coming in. So it is relatively safe; ahead of the holidays there should be no problems,” he said.

Bahlil urged the public not to worry or engage in excessive purchasing.

“Avtur is also under our monitoring, we are communicating intensively with Pertamina, and conditions are under control,” he concluded.