Facing Soaring Prices Of Energy Commodities, The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Ensures Not To Burden The Community

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) said it would continue to monitor the dynamics of world energy prices, including efforts to appeal to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase their production quotas.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, said that currently, the selling price of subsidized fuel and LPG is far from the high economic price, in the midst of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

"The impact extends to other countries, where the price of Indonesian crude oil or ICP has increased by more than 100 US dollars per barrel", he said in an official statement, Thursday, April 28.

Even the ICP in March 2022 reached 113.5 US dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, the average ICP from January 1 to April 26, 2022, is USD 99.23 per barrel, while the ICP assumption in the 2022 State Budget is only USD 63 per barrel.

To ensure a guaranteed supply of fuel and LPG in the midst of high world oil prices, the Government continues to carry out evaluation efforts.

"We will definitely carry out evaluations, and it is impossible for us to drastically burden the community with such a heavy burden. The current focus is ensuring energy supply ahead of Eid al-Fitr", continued Arifin.

The evaluations carried out included validating population data in the Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS). In addition, direct supervision and sanctions are also enforced on the misuse of energy subsidized by the Government. The goal is clear so that the allocation of subsidies is not eroded, and the purchasing power of the people who are entitled to receive subsidies is maintained.

"We also remind you that there is an article in the law that will impose sanctions on the misuse of subsidized fuel, 6 years in prison and a fine of IDR 60 billion", said Arifin.

The government also ensures that throughout the Idul Fitri 2022 holiday period the supply of fuel oil (BBM), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity is well available. Extra preparations have been made to ensure that people can enjoy Eid in comfort.

In the midst of high world energy commodity prices, the current focus of the Government is to ensure the availability of adequate energy supplies for people throughout Indonesia. The need for BBM and LPG for the period leading up to Eid is guaranteed to remain safe with an average stock of more than 20 days.

"This is the best policy to continue to meet the needs of the community", he concluded.