The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Again Denies Closing Private Gas Station Imports

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has again denied any attempt to close fuel importation activities for private Public Oil Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU).

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia explained, this is reflected in the trend of non-subsidized fuel market share at private gas stations which continues to increase, which is up 11 percent in 2024 and reaching around 15 percent until July 2025.

"This increase shows that imports continue to run along with the increasing demand and outlets of private gas stations. The regulation of imports of fuel is intended to control the portion so that it is in line with national trade conditions and maintain national strategic reserves," Bahlil said as quoted on Saturday, September 20.

He emphasized that the regulation of fuel imports is a way to maintain national trade stability by reducing deficit pressures due to oil and gas imports, while ensuring the availability of domestic fuel supply remains safe.

This policy refers to Article 14 paragraph (1) of Presidential Decree Number 61 of 2024 concerning Commodity Balance. The regulation gives the authority to the Minister or Head of Institutions as sector supervisors to determine commodity needs plans.

Bahlil said the government, Pertamina and private gas stations had agreed to import fuel in the form of base fuel or fuel with pure octane levels without additive mixtures.

"They agreed to collaborate with Pertamina, the condition is that it must be based on base fuel, meaning that it has not mixed. So the products will be mixed in each, the tanks at each gas station. This has also been approved, this is a solution," said Bahlil.

Regarding the quality of fuel, it has also been approved to conduct a joint survey before the delivery of fuel. Regarding the purchase price of fuel, the Government requested that it be carried out transparently and no party was harmed. Bahlil also encouraged that in the next seven days, the imported fuel has arrived in Indonesia and is ready to be distributed to the public.

"And when asked when this will start, starting today it has been discussed. After this, it will be continued with a technical meeting of the stock. And then God willing, the goods can be entered in Indonesia no later than 7 days," said Bahlil.