Not as Swift as Oil, LPG Imports from Russia Still Require Further Discussion

The government has revealed that the purchase of crude oil and LPG from Russia will not proceed simultaneously. While crude oil imports from Russia can be executed this month, LPG imports still require further discussion.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that shipments of crude oil from Russia are targeted to begin this month. This follows up on President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.

“Oh, for crude, perhaps this month,” said Bahlil at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta on Friday (17/4/2026).

However, the process for LPG is not as swift as for oil. This is because the Indonesian and Russian governments are currently finalising discussions regarding the purchase of LPG.

“For LPG, it’s still in the finalisation stage. The sooner the better,” added Bahlil.

On the other hand, Bahlil also stressed the importance of diversifying energy supply sources so that Indonesia does not rely on a single supplying country. According to him, the government is also keeping options open for imports from other countries, including the United States.

“Why? In an uncertain geopolitical position, we cannot expect only one country. So there must be diversification. So, insya Allah, our crude will improve even more,” he said.

Bahlil mentioned that LPG imports are in line with the increasing national LPG needs, which are estimated to reach around 10 million tonnes per year in the coming years.

“Our total production is only 1.6 million. So we must seek new markets, including Russia. Now, insya Allah, for LPG, it’s in the finalisation stage,” he added.