Indonesia Secures Alternative Imports for Fuel and LPG to Replace Middle East Supplies!

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has stated that there are now supplier countries providing imports of fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Indonesia. This replaces supplies from the Middle East region, which remains tense.

“When there is tension in the Middle East, we replace it from the Middle East. Alhamdulillah, we have already secured it, there is no doubt anymore. We have got it,” Bahlil emphasised during a press conference, quoted on Thursday (2/4/2026).

In light of this, Bahlil affirmed that the government is also guaranteeing the safe supply of BBM and LPG. Previously, Indonesia imported 20% of both oil and LPG from the Middle East, but replacements have now been secured.

Bahlil further emphasised that all energy reserves, from petrol, diesel, avtur, to LPG, are at safe levels and exceed the national minimum standards.

“Our BBM reserves are all above the national minimum standards. With the implementation of B50, insya Allah this year we will experience a surplus in our diesel, and once the RDMP in East Kalimantan is operational,” he added.

Bahlil also addressed concerns regarding the energy supply chain due to the conflict in the Middle East region. He explained that the portion of crude oil imports from the Middle East is around 20%. Currently, the government has successfully secured alternative supply sources from other countries to replace that quota.

On the other hand, the need for finished BBM products (petrol) is increasingly being met domestically through the Balikpapan RDMP refinery, which produces 5.6 million kilolitres of petrol and 4.5 million kilolitres of diesel. The remaining petrol shortfall is imported from Southeast Asia, while LPG imports have been redirected to non-Middle East countries, particularly the United States.