The Indonesian government is considering adjustments to import quotas for non-subsidized fuel for private gas stations amid rising consumption. The policy takes into account public demand patterns and business compliance, while solar imports are set to stop in 2026.
The Indonesian government is opening the possibility to recalculate import quotas for non-subsidized fuel oil (BBM) for private gas station (SPBU) operators, given the increased consumption throughout 2025. Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Laode Sulaeman, stated that import policies are not rigid and are evaluated based on actual consumption trends. "The policy to be taken will certainly be influenced by the consumption pattern or demand for BBM," Laode said during the ESDM Sector Media Gathering in Jakarta on Friday evening (19/12/2025).
Laode acknowledged that demand for non-subsidized BBM remains high to date, although the percentage increase in quotas has not yet been determined. Quota allocation also depends on business compliance with governance rules. ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized this, reminding private SPBU to adhere to state regulations. "For those who are not compliant, I haven't calculated yet. I'll convey it later, still being regulated," Bahlil said. When asked which businesses he meant, he only replied, "You know."
Additionally, the Ministry of ESDM announced that solar imports by private SPBU will stop in 2026, coinciding with the operation of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) project in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, and the B50 biodiesel program starting in the second semester of 2026. Laode explained that private businesses must purchase solar from domestic refineries, such as CN 48 solar. The government is also opening options for solar exports if international standards like CN 51 are met, enabling sales to foreign markets.
Bahlil previously reported to President Prabowo Subianto that Indonesia will no longer import solar starting 2026, thanks to the combination of RDMP and B50 projected to create a supply surplus. In 2025, several private SPBU like Shell, BP, and Vivo ran out of import quotas early, leading to collaborations with Pertamina Patra Niaga. The quota decision for 2026 is scheduled to be announced next week, with an option for a 10 percent increase from 2025.
