Two Ships Detained in Strait of Hormuz - Indonesia Seeks Oil Supplies from Other Countries

Two Indonesian-owned tankers have yet to cross the Strait of Hormuz as of 26 March 2026. The vessels are the PIS VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro.

According to detikNews, as shown on the MarineTraffic website, the Pertamina Pride was detected north of Dammam City, Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Gamsunoro is located near the coast of Kuwait and Iraq.

Based on a statement from Pertamina International Shipping, the Pertamina Pride is carrying cargo for national energy needs. The Gamsunoro, on the other hand, is transporting for third-party partners (non-Pertamina).

“The safety of the crew and cargo is our priority. The Pertamina Group operates 345 vessels, so this situation is ensured not to disrupt domestic energy supplies,” said Vega Pita, Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Shipping, via the official Instagram account @pertaminainternationalshipping.

Shipping data indicates a significant decline in the number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Throughout this month, only about 99 ships have passed through, far below the pre-conflict average of 138 ships per day. This route is a vital pathway for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil distribution.

Some vessels are also beginning to alter their shipping routes. Several ships are opting for paths closer to Iranian territory, instead of the main corridor in the middle of the strait, to enhance security.

A BBC analysis shows that about one-third of recent voyages in the Strait of Hormuz involve ships linked to Iran. Among them are 14 ships sailing under the Iranian flag and several others sanctioned for alleged connections to Tehran’s oil trade.

Nine other ships are owned by companies based in China. Six ships are recorded with India as the final destination. Some ships that have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz appear to have chosen longer routes than usual.

Tracking data for a Pakistani-flagged tanker shows it sailed closer to the Iranian coast on 15 March, rather than taking the usual central strait route.

Indonesia Seeks Oil Supplies from Other Countries

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has received instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to secure crude oil supplies from several countries.

According to detikFinance, this policy is a precautionary measure against potential energy supply disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East region. Moreover, Iran has yet to open access to the Strait of Hormuz for Indonesia.

“On that basis, the President last night ordered me and the team to immediately seek our oil supplies from almost all countries. And then optimise all the energy we have,” Bahlil said during an inspection at the Colomadu petrol station in Central Java on Thursday (26/3/2026).

He emphasised that the government is committed to maintaining national energy availability, including reserves and price stability. Moreover, said Bahlil, no one knows when the current conflict will end.

Bahlil also assured that the current availability of fuel oil (BBM), both petrol and diesel, as well as LPG, is safe.

“On various occasions, even in conditions where almost the whole world is affected, we thank God for the President’s orders and public support; today, BBM in our beloved country—whether petrol, diesel, or LPG—is well fulfilled,” he said.

Bahlil also requested public support to use energy wisely.

“I ask for support from all Indonesians. This issue is not just the government’s problem but everyone’s. I plead and suggest that we must use energy wisely. Wisely, which I don’t need to advise not to,” he said.

Thai Ship Allowed to Pass Strait of Hormuz

A Thai oil tanker successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely following diplomatic coordination between the Thai government and Iran. This was conveyed by Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

According to Sihasak, the ship owned by Bangchak Corporation passed through on Monday (23/3/2026), following communication he had with Iran’s Ambassador to Thailand, Nasereddin Heydari. In that discussion, the Thai side requested security guarantees for its ships that must pass through the strategic route.

“They responded that they would handle it and asked us to provide a list of ships that will pass,” said Sihasak, as quoted by Bangkok Post.

This successful passage occurred about two weeks after a Thai-flagged ship, Mayuree Naree, was attacked by projectiles in the same area.

Iran Provides Escort for Ships from Friendly Countries

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed. He stated that several countries have communicated with Iran to ensure the safety of their shipping.

According to Araghchi, Iran provides escorts for ships from countries considered friendly or in certain conditions deemed necessary. Some of the countries mentioned include China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India.

Nevertheless, he stressed that ships linked to countries considered enemies or involved in the conflict will not be allowed to pass. Countries such as the United States, Israel, and some Gulf states are said not to receive transit permission.

“Two Indian ships passed a few nights ago, as did from other countries, even Bangladesh, I think. These countries talk and coordinate with us, and this will continue in the future, even after the war ends,” Sihasak continued.