Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that Indonesia's national fuel (BBM) stock is only 20-25 days due to limited storage capacity. He emphasized plans to increase it to 90 days, inspired by Japan. The statement comes amid escalating global conflicts affecting energy supplies.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia commented on the national fuel (BBM) stock lasting only up to 20 days, aligned with Indonesia's maximum storage capacity. "Indeed, for a long time, our storage capacity, the fuel holding capacity in the Republic of Indonesia, is not more than 21 to 25 days. That's our capability. So the national standard is a minimum of 20 to 21 days, the minimum standard," Bahlil told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on March 4, 2026.
He noted that Pertamina reports current stocks at 22-23 days, above the 23-day minimum for BBM, crude oil, and LPG. However, storage limitations prevent holding more. "Why don't we stock more than 25 days? If we have it, where do we store it? The storage isn't enough, right? The storage isn't enough," he added.
Bahlil said President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the construction of BBM storage facilities to boost energy resilience to 90 days or three months, in line with global standards. The plan draws inspiration from Japan, which holds 254 days of stock. A feasibility study is underway, with construction targeted to start in 2026 in Sumatra.
Bahlil's remarks raised public concerns amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflicts, including attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz on March 2, 2026, leading to global oil shipping rate surges. Nevertheless, Bahlil assured that current stocks are sufficient for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, and subsidized BBM prices will not rise until Lebaran.
"So, regarding preparations for Eid al-Fitr, Ramadan, alhamdulillah, I convey that BBM, crude, LPG stocks are all on average above the national minimum standard," he said on March 3, 2026, at the Ministry of ESDM.
