US Oil Imports Could Take 40 Days, Here Is Bahlil's Strategy

Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed that the government plans to redirect a portion of crude oil imports to several countries outside the Middle East, amid supply uncertainties caused by regional conflicts.

Bahlil stated that alternative crude oil import sources include the United States, Angola, and several African and Latin American nations. The government is currently negotiating long-term contracts with these countries, particularly the United States, which is considered to have substantial oil production capacity.

“We have long-term contracts with countries outside the Middle East. One of them is America. Why America? Because they have larger oil volumes,” Bahlil said during a podcast hosted by the Energy Ministry on 11 March 2026.

Bahlil acknowledged that oil shipments from America require more time than those from the Middle East. Whilst shipments from Middle Eastern countries take approximately 2 to 3 weeks, shipments from the United States could reach around 40 days. However, he stressed that by placing orders well in advance, the government can manage logistics arrangements effectively.

He cited a similar approach successfully applied to LPG imports. Whereas previously the majority of Indonesia’s LPG imports came from the Middle East, approximately 70% of Indonesian LPG imports now originate from the United States.

Indonesia’s crude oil imports currently come from various countries, including Africa, Angola, the Middle East, the United States, Brazil, Australia, and several others. According to Bahlil, imports from the Middle East account for 20-25% of Indonesia’s total crude oil imports.

Bahlil emphasised that Indonesia does not import finished petroleum products from the Middle East, only crude oil, which is processed domestically before distribution to consumers. With the Strait of Hormuz facing potential disruption, the government has proactively identified alternative sourcing opportunities, with Pertamina operating interests in some African countries. By shifting the 20-25% of crude previously sourced from the Middle East to alternative suppliers, Indonesia can maintain supply security even if key shipping routes are compromised.