Impact of Middle East Conflict: Bahlil Urges Public Not to Panic Buy Fuel

Jakarta – Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has urged the public not to panic buy fuel excessively in response to tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.

Bahlil clarified that Indonesia’s fuel stocks are adequate for public demand, explaining that the previously cited 20-25 day fuel supply refers to storage capacity rather than total supply. “I would advise and request that there be no panic buying because our fuel stocks are indeed sufficient. The mention of 21 to 25 days refers to our storage capacity,” he said at the Presidential Palace Complex on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

He explained that once current stocks are depleted, fresh supplies will arrive, noting that Indonesia only imports crude oil from the Middle East. “Once that supply is used up, the next shipment arrives and our industry continues operating without problems. Particularly for the Middle East, we only import crude oil, whilst refined products are imported from Southeast Asian countries and domestic production. So there really shouldn’t be any need for panic buying,” he added.

Bahlil acknowledged that fluctuations in international oil prices could potentially affect government budgets through increased energy subsidies, but stated the government is preparing various mitigation measures. “If this continues, it will certainly impact the government budget by increasing subsidy requirements. However, we are mitigating by seeking alternative energy sources besides fossil fuels, including renewable energy,” he said.

Separately, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has assured that the government will not increase subsidised fuel prices amidst surging global oil prices resulting from Middle East geopolitical tensions. According to Airlangga, the government is still monitoring conflict developments in the region and their impact on crude oil prices before deciding on further policy measures. “Not yet (raising subsidised fuel prices). Our state budget assumption was at 70 US dollars per barrel, so we’ll wait and see,” he said in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, 5 March 2026.