Gov’t Confirms National Fuel Reserves Secure Ahead of Eid al-Fitr

President Prabowo Subianto receives a report on national fuel reserves at a Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (3/13).

The Government ensures that national energy reserves remain secure, especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr. This was conveyed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, in his report at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting held at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (3/13).

“Mr. President, regarding fuel, including crude, LPG, and refined petroleum, ahead of Eid al-Fitr and, Inshaallah, we can cope with this through good communication,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil said that the fuel oil availability to meet national needs is currently above the minimum national reserve limit. This includes various types of fuel, such as RON 90, RON 92, RON 98, as well as diesel and aviation fuel (avtur) which are considered sufficient in the near future.

Nevertheless, Bahlil emphasized the Government’s commitment to continuously strengthening national energy sovereignty. These efforts include biodiesel blending and development of domestic oil refineries.

“So, we have completed the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) and this is quite helpful, Sir. It reduces our gasoline imports by 5.5 million tons and our diesel fuel imports by 3.5 million tons,” he said.

Bahlil further explained that the domestic refineries development is a strategic step to increase domestic production while reducing dependence on imports. “Ultimately, if our crude oil lifting doesn’t reach 1.6 million tons, we will import the difference between our crude oil needs and our lifting capacity,” he said.

Meanwhile, regarding LPG supplies, Bahlil stated that the Government is preparing several scenarios to meet national demand, including through diversifying LPG supply countries.

“So, from 100% (7.6 million) of our total LPG imports, 70% comes from the United States, 20% from the Middle East, and the rest from other countries like Australia. Given the current situation, we’re splitting up the Middle East again to secure long-term contracts with the United States and several other countries,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/LW)