Minister Bahlil Urges Calm: No Need for Fuel Panic Buying

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia urged the public not to engage in panic buying of fuel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's war against the United States and Israel. Bahlil ensured that the fuel stock is sufficient for domestic needs.

"Together with Pertamina (state-owned oil and gas firm), we have switched from the Middle East to sourcing from the United States, Nigeria, and Brazil. So, there is no need for panic buying," Bahlil said at the Central Leadership Council office of the Golkar Party in Jakarta on Friday night, March 6, 2026.

The statement by the Chairperson of the Golkar Party was in response to long queues at various gas stations as citizens feared fuel shortages. The panic buying was triggered by Bahlil's previous statement that Indonesia's fuel stock suffices for up to 20 days.

Bahlil emphasized that his statement referred to Indonesia's maximum oil storage capacity, which can hold reserves for a maximum of 25 days. He also claimed that this has been the case for a long time, rather than a recent development.

Meanwhile, Bahlil stated that national standards set the minimum oil reserve at 20 days. Thus, he believes there is no issue with oil storage capacity or its realization amidst the escalation of the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.

"Our minimal availability standard should be above 20 days based on the national standard. Currently, we have a 23-day reserve. This means that our oil ownership standard is secure. So, there's no need to panic. Supply is smooth," said Bahlil.

Furthermore, he mentioned that Indonesia has been domestically producing diesel fuel. He also stressed that during the 20-day oil reserve storage period, the production and supply process continues as usual.

He urged the population to remain calm because the government claims it will always be present. "God willing, even if there is a war in the Middle East, our situation is safe. I repeat, safe. So, don't listen to provocations or misinformation," he said.

Read: Indonesia's Subsidized Fuel Prices Will Not Rise Yet, Says Minister

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