Trial Complete, Bahlil Ready to Launch New B50 Fuel on 1 July 2026
Jakarta - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed that the B50 biodiesel programme, a fuel blend of 50% palm oil with diesel, will be launched on 1 July 2026, following the completion of trials on various types of vehicles.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the entire series of tests on different vehicles and heavy equipment had yielded positive results. He stated that the government is making final preparations ahead of the inauguration of the bioenergy blending implementation.
“Technically, trials have been carried out by our team from ESDM, led by the Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Prof Eniya, and the results are very encouraging. To this day, the water content comparison between B40 and B50 shows that B50 has less water content,” he explained when met at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026).
The B50 testing was conducted across six sectors to ensure field implementation. This included use in long-haul transport engines and production support equipment in the plantation and mining sectors.
“And this has been tested on various vehicles, including heavy equipment, ships, trains, and several other types of vehicles. Mining equipment, excavators, all agricultural equipment have been tested,” he said.
The government is optimistic that Indonesia can completely stop diesel imports thanks to B50. The programme is projected to maintain national energy stock stability while saving foreign exchange.
“So, God willing, we are very optimistic that the implementation and launch of B50 will take place on 1 July 2026. With that, we will reduce or even stop importing diesel, especially C48,” he asserted.
Previously, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the ESDM Ministry, Eniya Listiani Dewi, explained that the specifications for B50 had been agreed upon by all stakeholders. She noted that producers have declared their ability to meet quality parameters that are stricter than those of the previous programme.
“The specifications are already settled. From heavy equipment, the specs have been confirmed, with water content down to 20 PPM, monoglycerides, and so on. They have agreed to meet these specifications. So, it is all set,” she explained when met at the ESDM Ministry office in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/6/2026).
The government is currently finalising two Ministerial Decrees as the legal basis for the policy. One regulation will establish the national mandate for B50 usage, while the other will detail the allocation of biodiesel volumes for the second half of this year.
“The mandate is in the Ministerial Decree. The mandatory Kepmen is ready, just waiting for the Minister’s signature. Then, I am currently discussing the second Kepmen with the Oil and Gas Directorate regarding allocations, as it needs to be revised from this year’s decree,” she added.
The government is also calculating the required biodiesel volume, taking into account projected consumption increases ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Authorities are ensuring the readiness of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) supplies so that energy distribution across Indonesia remains stable when the B50 mandate begins.
“We are calculating the volume, considering the Nataru forecast and everything else. Plus, ensuring the readiness of the FAME volume. When it comes to B50, we are ready to go,” she concluded.