No More Imports: Private Fuel Stations Now Required to Purchase Diesel from Pertamina

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the policy to halt national imports of diesel fuel (BBM) is now in effect. Consequently, private fuel stations are required to absorb diesel supplies from the domestic refinery production of PT Pertamina (Persero).

The Director General of Oil and Gas (Dirjen Migas) of the Ministry of ESDM, Laode Sulaeman, explained that the scheme for private businesses to purchase diesel from Pertamina is now being implemented. This means that Pertamina’s production of diesel, particularly the CN48 type, has been allocated to private fuel stations.

“It’s already happening; they must buy from Pertamina,” Laode replied when asked about the progress of the obligation for private fuel stations to purchase diesel from Pertamina, during a meeting at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

This aligns with the government’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency, as the current domestic refinery capacity, particularly from the RDMP Balikpapan, is deemed sufficient to meet national needs. The government is promoting the use of domestic products to reduce dependence on imports and maintain energy stock stability.

“Actually, since it was announced, there have been meetings. And if you ask the private sector, they will confirm it’s already in place; just ask them,” said Laode.

Previously, the Minister of ESDM, Bahlil Lahadalia, emphasised that the increased capacity of the Balikpapan refinery opens the opportunity for Indonesia to stop importing BBM. This is because national needs can be fulfilled by domestic production.

“Insya Allah, once the RDMP Balikpapan refinery’s operations are officially launched this year, diesel imports will be halted. This is done to promote energy sovereignty by no longer relying on imports to meet domestic BBM needs,” said Bahlil.

According to Bahlil, Indonesia’s diesel needs are recorded at 39.8 million kilolitres per year. From this amount, the B40 programme contributes Fatty Acid Methyl Ester supply of 15.9 million kilolitres per year, leaving the need for pure B0 diesel at 23.9 million kl per year.

With national production currently reaching 26.5 million kl per year, the government targets stopping diesel imports from mid-2026 for CN 48 products and CN 51 from mid-2026.