Minister Bahlil Urges Public Not to Panic Buy, Government Secures Fuel and LPG Supply

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised that the public need not engage in panic buying of energy products such as fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as the government has ensured supplies are secure.

Bahlil stressed that domestic BBM-LPG supplies are safe and readily available, urging the public to remain calm and refrain from excessive purchasing. Speaking during a podcast by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, he stated: “I urge my fellow citizens not to panic buy. God willing, our fuel, our LPG, the state will be present.”

The minister noted that Indonesia’s LPG import share, which previously came predominantly from the Middle East, has been redirected with 70 per cent now sourced from the United States. Similarly, crude oil sourcing from the Middle East has been diversified, with 25 per cent redirected to other countries.

“The government, under President Prabowo’s instruction, we do not sleep. We continue seeking access, continuing to find solutions,” Bahlil explained.

Beyond supply concerns, Bahlil also guaranteed that subsidised fuel and LPG prices will not increase until after the Idulfitri holiday. Despite rising global energy commodity prices, the government can ensure prices to consumers remain stable.

Bahlil affirmed that the state will increase subsidy allocations from the national budget to cover price differentials exceeding this year’s assumptions. “The state will respond by increasing the subsidy budget. Currently, our APBN assumes crude oil prices at US$70 per barrel, but prices have now reached US$100. The state budget still has sufficient capacity to finance this price increase gap. It will continue to be borne by the state,” he concluded.