Government ensures fuel reserves remain secure amidst geopolitical instability

Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has ensured that fuel reserves remain maintained at the minimum standard of 18–21 days, amidst ongoing geopolitical instability.

“The most important thing right now is that the government ensures our fuel reserves are at the minimum standard of 18–21 days,” stated the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, during the Electricity Connect 2026 event held in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Bahlil continued, the government also ensures that the price of subsidised fuel will not increase until the end of the year. Both measures are directives from President Prabowo Subianto.

Meanwhile, Bahlil explained that non-subsidised fuel prices will naturally undergo adjustments. Price changes in non-subsidised fuel occur because they follow market rates.

“The price of non-subsidised fuel will follow the market price. If the global market price, specifically the ICP, rises, it will automatically increase. However, if the ICP falls, it will certainly undergo a correction,” said Bahlil.

The US has recently launched military attacks on several locations in Iran amidst a deadlock in negotiations regarding disputes over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital routes for energy supply and global trade.

This comes despite both parties having signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June.

Iran has responded by launching attacks against US military facilities and equipment in Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia.

Some of these attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation from affected nations and calls for the attacks to cease.

The US and Israel have been engaged in warfare against Iran since 28 February, which Iran claims has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths. Iran has retaliated with attacks that have killed American and Israeli citizens.