Middle East Tensions Escalate; South Kalimantan Provincial Government Urges Fuel Conservation
The South Kalimantan Provincial Government has urged the public to begin conserving fuel consumption amid the threat of shortages resulting from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite these concerns, Pertamina has stated that fuel stocks in South Kalimantan as of March 2026 are assured to be safe ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“As we approach the Eid holiday period and given the increasingly tense geopolitical situation, we are urging civil servants and the general public to conserve fuel consumption,” said South Kalimantan Provincial Secretary M Syarifudin. He also emphasised that the regional government has prohibited civil servants from using official vehicles for Eid travel purposes.
Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan stated that fuel stocks as of March 2026 in South Kalimantan are assured to be safe ahead of Eid celebrations and to meet public needs. To date, fuel distribution at service stations across 13 districts and municipalities is operating normally with no queues reported.
The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is also supporting the establishment of a Fuel Supply Task Force to ensure the availability and smooth distribution of fuel during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Acting Head of the South Kalimantan Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM), Nasrullah, stated on Wednesday (18 March) that the task force aims to ensure fuel stocks and distribution remain secure, enabling the public to conduct daily activities, particularly during Ramadan and Eid, safely and comfortably.
“The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, together with PT Pertamina, has established a fuel supply task force to prepare for Ramadan and Eid holidays across Indonesia, including in the Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan region,” said Nasrullah.
The establishment of the task force is a precautionary government measure to maintain energy supply stability, particularly fuel, amid increasing public demand during religious holiday periods. Regarding developments in the global situation, particularly the Middle East conflict which could affect the energy sector, the central government has undertaken various strategic steps and contingencies against all potential scenarios.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has ensured that national energy supplies remain in a safe and reliable condition to support public activities during the 2026 Eid celebrations. President Prabowo Subianto discussed the potential impact of global conflicts on Indonesia’s economy during a meeting with the National Economic Council and several ministers in Jakarta. The Cilacap Refinery has ensured fuel supplies are safe ahead of Eid travel in 2026, with innovation in block mode processing increasing crude oil processing efficiency and maintaining national energy production.