Responding To The News That Shell Closes All Gas Stations, Bahlil: Don't Be A Bird!

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia responded to the news that Shell Indonesia would close all public refueling stations (SPBU) in Indonesia.

Bahlil emphasized that until now he had not received official information regarding Shell's plan to stop its operations in Indonesia.

"Shell? I haven't heard of it, I haven't heard of it. Don't tell the rumors yet. There hasn't been any," Bahlil told the media crew when met at Balai Kartini, Monday, November 25.

Bahlil ensured that until now Shell's operations in Indonesia were still running well and there were no plans for Shell to close its gas stations throughout Indonesia.

"God willing, it's still fine (the Shell operation)," continued Bahlil.

Previously, when confirmed, Shell denied the news.

Vice President of Corporate Relations of Shell Indonesia, Susi Hutapea, stated that the information was not true.

"Shell Indonesia informed that the information circulating regarding Shell's plan to close all gas stations in Indonesia is not true," said Susi Hutapea, Sunday, November 24.

According to official data available on the Shell page, the company has more than 170 gas stations spread across Indonesia. However, Shell is not willing to comment further on the growing speculation in the market.

"We cannot comment on the speculation that has occurred in the market. Shell Indonesia remains focused on gas station operations for our customers," he added.

The issue of closing this gas station emerged along with news about the condition of the oil fuel retail business in Indonesia. However, Shell emphasized that they are still operating as usual.

In addition to the gas station network, Shell Indonesia also has a lubricant factory in Marunda, Jakarta, and a fuel storage terminal in Gresik, East Java.

Previously, Shell Indonesia had announced plans to close nine gas stations in North Sumatra by 2024. Starting June 1, 2024, the operations of nine Shell gas stations in the area will be stopped.

Susi Hutapea explained that this policy is in line with Shell's global strategy to create more value through reducing emissions and focusing on more sustainable operations.