Government Urges Public Not to Panic-Buy BBM; Supplies Are Safe

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), together with PT Pertamina (Persero), has urged the public not to panic-buy or purchase fuel oil (BBM) excessively. The government says energy supplies remain safe and under control. The appeal followed panic buying in several regions across Indonesia, including Aceh, after misinformation regarding Pertamina’s BBM supplies amid the Middle East conflict and concerns about global oil prices. Spokesperson for the Ministry of ESDM, Dwi Anggia, said the public should not panic under the current circumstances, as the government ensures BBM availability is secure, including to meet demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. He also confirmed that BBM distribution to various regions across Indonesia is proceeding smoothly to support the public’s needs. In addition, the Ministry of ESDM also confirmed there are no plans for the government to raise subsidised BBM prices amid rising world crude prices at the moment. ‘The Minister of ESDM has stated that subsidised BBM prices will not increase in the current dynamics of world oil prices,’ he asserted. Likewise, Pertamina Patra Niaga has confirmed that national BBM stocks are secure to meet the public’s needs during Ramadan up to the approach of Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, the public is urged to buy according to their needs, not excessively, especially not to hoard. ‘We continue to ensure the availability of BBM and LPG for the public,’ said Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, in a statement on Friday (6 March 2026). Pertamina projects that consumption of petrol, namely Pertalite and Pertamax, will rise by 12 percent from normal consumption. By contrast, diesel consumption is expected to fall by 14.5 percent as logistics vehicle mobility is restricted. Roberth emphasised that the public should not worry about energy availability during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. To anticipate increased energy consumption during this period, Pertamina has implemented various measures to strengthen services, including stock build-up and ensuring readiness of distribution facilities and infrastructure.