Two Pertamina Tankers Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz

Two tanker ships owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. The government is pursuing diplomatic channels to secure the release of the two vessels from the volatile waters.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said diplomatic efforts are ongoing to find the best possible solution.

‘We are engaging in diplomacy to find a better path for their release,’ Bahlil said at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, as reported by detikFinance.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran after the country was attacked by the United States and Israel. Vessels forced to pass through are at risk of being fired upon.

Bahlil acknowledged that if the two ships cannot exit, there could be disruptions to Indonesia’s oil supply. However, the government says it has prepared alternative crude sources from outside the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Even if they are not released, we have already sought alternatives to obtain crude from other sources and we have found them. We have found them. So I think that it is not a problem, though not something extremely serious,’ he said.

Pertamina response

PT Pertamina (Persero) confirmed that two tankers still in the Strait of Hormuz are in a safe condition. The company is also monitoring developments in the region.

Pertamina Corporate Communications Vice President Muhammad Baron said there are four Pertamina ships in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, though two are outside the strait.

‘As of today, the situation remains safe. We are coordinating and grateful to all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant parties who can convey or secure our assets and the crew aboard,’ Baron said at Pertamina’s head office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Baron emphasised that crew safety remains the primary priority, in addition to safeguarding the company’s assets in the area.

‘Indeed, two Pertamina ships are still there. So there are four in total, but two are outside the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue to monitor and ensure that first and foremost the safety of the crew, and also the protection of the ships’ assets,’ Baron added.