“This import is also part of our commitment to maintaining the trade balance with the United States,” Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung said here on Friday, responding to questions about strategies to address shortages affecting private operators such as Shell and bp.
Tanjung said Indonesia may purchase oil from US companies ExxonMobil and Chevron. “Wherever their sources may be, we will still regard purchases from them as balancing our bilateral trade,” he added.
According to preliminary estimates, Indonesia needs an additional 1.4 million kiloliters of oil.
This figure is based on the volume of fuel consumed by residents who previously relied on subsidized fuel but have since switched to non-subsidized alternatives.
“We will determine the proportion for Pertamina and for private companies,” he explained, referring to the state-owned oil company.
To process import permits, the ministry has requested oil companies, including Pertamina, to submit detailed reports on their fuel import needs through the end of 2025, Tanjung said.
“We need the details from each company because the imports will be done integrally through Pertamina,” he stated.
Since at least August 2025, private petrol station operators have complained about insufficient supply, forcing them to suspend operations at some outlets.
However, the ministry affirmed that private oil companies will not receive additional import quotas.
Minister Bahlil Lahadalia suggested instead that they purchase oil directly from Pertamina.
The ministry has instructed private companies to submit detailed reports on their required oil volumes and specifications.
These reports will serve as the basis for Pertamina to assess whether it can meet demand; otherwise, new imports will remain an option.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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