Response to 'panic buying', ESDM assures fuel prices will not rise and stocks remain secure

The government has assured stock availability to meet energy needs, especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Dwi Anggia, said that the Minister Bahlil Lahadalia had also conveyed the same message, namely that subsidised fuels, such as Pertalite, will not rise in the current global oil price dynamics. Oil prices surged amid concerns about Middle East supply disruptions, with Brent rising 4.93 percent to $85.41 per barrel, and US WTI up 8.51 percent to $81.01 per barrel. Prices are higher than the January 2026 average, with Brent (ICE) at $64 per barrel and WTI at $57.87 per barrel. ‘We urge the public to stay calm, not panic buy, and not hoard, which could cause shortages,’ Anggia said. Besides ensuring stock security, the government also ensures that BBM distribution to regions runs smoothly to meet public needs. Earlier reports stated that Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Bagian Utara (Sumbagut) asked residents in Aceh not to panic as BBM and LPG supplies are sufficient and could meet demand until Eid al-Fitr. Area Manager of Communications, Relations & CSR for Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut, Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, said several anticipatory steps had been taken, including building up stock, strengthening distribution facilities, and active coordination with related parties. Pertamina has also undertaken measures to strengthen service as a precaution against potential increased energy consumption during the period, including stock build-up and ensuring the readiness of distribution facilities. He said these steps are intended to ensure energy distribution to the public proceeds smoothly, safely, and measurably.