Indian Investor Keen to Build Fuel Storage Tanks in Indonesia

Jakarta — The Chief Executive of PT Pertamina (Persero), Simon Aloysius Mantiri, has revealed that Indian investor Essar Group is interested in investing in the development of oil storage tank facilities in Indonesia.

Mantiri disclosed that Essar Group representatives recently toured one of Pertamina’s oil processing facilities in South Sumatra. “Regarding the storage question you raised, we have indeed met with representatives from Essar Group, one of which has visited our refinery facility in Plaju,” Simon said at a press conference at the BPH Migas office in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

The proposed storage facility development aims to increase domestic capacity for crude oil and fuel reserves. Mantiri emphasised that Pertamina is not limiting itself to a single investor but remains open to partnerships with various parties that possess the necessary capacity. “We are open to working with any party to ensure our storage capacity increases,” he stated.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia previously disclosed through his personal Instagram account that he chaired a meeting with Essar Group and Pertamina on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. “Yesterday I attended a discussion meeting on plans to develop petroleum refining infrastructure in Indonesia with Essar Group and Pertamina,” Bahlil wrote on his Instagram account on Thursday, 5 February 2026.

During the meeting, both parties discussed the potential for cooperation to strengthen domestic oil processing capacity whilst increasing the value-added output of the downstream industry. “This investment plan is expected to proceed in line with government policy and contribute to strengthening national energy resilience,” Bahlil added.