Minister Bahlil States Indonesia's Fuel Oil Imports Unaffected by Middle East Conflict

Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that Indonesia’s domestic fuel oil (BBM) supply remains secure despite escalating geopolitical conditions, particularly in the Middle East.

Bahlil stated that Indonesia’s fuel oil stock remains safe because its import sources are not from the Middle East, but rather from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. He emphasised that Indonesia’s fuel imports are sourced primarily from Singapore and Malaysia.

“Our fuel imports are not sourced from the Middle East. Where do we get them from? Southeast Asia. Which countries in Southeast Asia? Malaysia and partly from Singapore. This has nothing to do with the Strait of Hormuz,” he said during a podcast hosted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

He explained that Indonesia’s current fuel oil inventory is capable of supporting domestic demand for approximately 23 days of storage capacity. However, he clarified that this does not mean fuel will run out after 21 days.

Rather, the supply is continuously replenished daily. He likened the fuel storage system to a water tank, where as fuel is withdrawn daily, new fuel enters to refill the tank according to its capacity.

“What I am conveying is our storage capacity. Our storage capacity is not more than 25 days. And our fuel, as I mentioned, has a capacity of 23 days. But this does not mean the fuel will be exhausted after 23 days, that is not what it means. That is its capacity. Today it is 23 days, some fuel is withdrawn, for example 1 million kilolitres, and more enters again, because our production continues,” he explained.

“It is like a water tank. You know what a water tank is? When I was in the village, there was no piped water system, there was a water tank. That tank collects rainwater. The capacity might be only 3 tonnes. When there is no rain, the water is stored in it,” he added.

“So do not misunderstand and think that after 21 days our fuel will be exhausted, that is not what it means,” he stressed.