By: Budi Rian Sitorus
As the holy month of Ramadan and the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach, the issue of energy availability has once again become a public concern. The government is working to allay public concerns by ensuring that the supply of fuel and LPG is secure and under control. Amidst the potential surge in consumption due to religious activities, homecoming travel, and increased economic activity, this assurance is an important message the government wants to emphasize so that the public can experience Ramadan with peace of mind.
The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that national fuel reserves are currently above the established minimum limit. In his explanation, Bahlil emphasized that national fuel stocks are generally at a safe level, with reserves of approximately 21 days, exceeding the minimum national resilience threshold of 18 days.
This statement comes at a crucial moment, given that Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are almost always accompanied by a surge in energy demand, particularly in the land transportation sector and urban areas. The exodus from the homecoming period, increased household consumption, and logistics activities have significantly increased the demand for fuel and LPG compared to normal days. Therefore, adequate stocks are not just a matter of figures on paper, but also the readiness of the distribution system on the ground.
Bahlil Lahadalia explained that for certain grades of diesel, such as C48, domestic production is still sufficient. However, for higher-quality diesel, such as C51, Indonesia still has to rely on imported supplies. This situation demonstrates that despite progress in strengthening national refinery capacity, Indonesia’s energy security is not yet fully immune to global dynamics, including fluctuations in world oil prices and potential disruptions to the international supply chain.
For non-subsidized gasoline products such as RON 92, RON 95, and RON 98, the government stated that national stocks are around 18 days. This figure is right at the minimum limit of established stock resilience. This situation has sparked public discussion regarding the national energy security margin. With relatively thin reserves, questions have arisen about the country’s preparedness to face unexpected scenarios, such as spikes in consumption beyond projections or distribution disruptions due to weather and infrastructure factors.
In this context, Ramadan 2026 will be a real test for the national energy system. The government has been pushing for increased refinery capacity and downstream oil and gas projects in recent years, but the implementation of these developments has been gradual. Results are beginning to be seen, but they have not yet completely eliminated dependence on imports for certain products. Therefore, stock management and distribution are key to maintaining supply stability.
In addition to the central government, the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPHI) is also ensuring that national fuel stocks are secure ahead of Ramadan. Wahyudi Anas, Head of BPH Migas, stated that based on monitoring results, national fuel coverage days are above the agreed minimum limit. For gasoline, stocks are recorded at over 25 days, while for diesel fuel, they are above 15 days. These figures are considered sufficient to meet demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Wahyudi Anas explained that in addition to gasoline and diesel fuel, aviation fuel (avtur) and kerosene availability are also at a safe level. Aviation fuel has coverage days of nearly 30 days, while kerosene is around 20 days. This situation provides confidence that energy needs, both for air transportation and certain households, can be met during peak consumption periods. This statement was made during a special working visit by Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) to Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
During this occasion, discussions focused not only on preparedness for Ramadan but also on the smooth distribution of subsidized fuel in disaster-affected areas. Wahyudi emphasized that subsidized fuel stocks and state compensation for heavy vehicles in Sumatra have been adequately prepared, including to support heavy equipment operations and energy needs in temporary housing for affected communities.
The synergy between BPH Migas and the assigned business entities continues to be strengthened to maintain social and economic stability, especially during the post-disaster recovery period. Wahyudi emphasized PT Pertamina Patra Niaga’s joint commitment to ensuring the smooth distribution of subsidized fuel so that community activities can return to normal. Energy support is considered crucial to accelerating recovery in affected areas.
BPH Migas Committee Member Baskara Agung Wibawa also stated that disaster management and energy sector recovery efforts in Sumatra are ongoing.received appreciation from Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). According to him, Pertamina Patra Niaga’s handling of the crisis demonstrated positive progress and exemplified inter-agency synergy in dealing with emergency situations. Baskara also added that this agenda also ensured national energy readiness ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Over the past year, the government has recorded several important achievements in the energy sector, ranging from strengthening the fuel distribution system in remote areas to increasingly solid cross-agency coordination in responding to emergency situations. Efforts to maintain stable energy supplies amidst global and domestic challenges are noteworthy successes, as well as laying the foundation for facing peak consumption periods like Ramadan.
Ultimately, guaranteeing fuel and LPG security ahead of Ramadan is not merely a normative statement, but a commitment that must be demonstrated through strict monitoring and rapid response on the ground. With relatively secure stocks and continuously strengthened inter-agency synergy, the government is expected to maintain stable energy supplies so that the public can comfortably experience Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026. Moving forward, strengthening national energy security needs to continue to reduce dependence on imports and increase the safety margin for the common good.
Renewable Energy Consultant – Energi Lestari Indonesia