Jakarta – The government has confirmed that the availability of fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is secure and under control ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This assurance is intended to reassure the public amidst the potential for increased energy consumption during religious holidays and long national holidays.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that national energy stocks are currently above the minimum limit set by the government.
“Third, regarding the readiness of energy supplies to face the fasting month and Eid al-Fitr, both LPG and BBM, I emphasize that all are under control, and national stocks are above the minimum limit,” Bahlil said.
He explained that the government has set a minimum national fuel stock limit of 18 days. Meanwhile, actual conditions indicate that national fuel reserves are around 21 days.
“Our minimum fuel stock limit has been set at 18 days, and currently there are no issues. National fuel reserves are around 21 days, so they are still above the minimum threshold and are guaranteed to be safe,” he said.
In terms of production, domestic oil refinery operations are considered capable of supporting energy needs during periods of surge in consumption. The Balikpapan refinery is said to be operating optimally to meet the supply of fuel with certain specifications.
“Currently, the industry has resumed operations, and supplies from the Balikpapan refinery are considered sufficient, especially for the C48 type. However, for high-quality diesel fuel such as C51 and several other specifications, we still have to import,” Bahlil explained.
The government also ensures the availability of non-subsidized gasoline, such as RON 92, RON 95, and RON 98, is secure.
“For non-subsidized gasoline such as RON 92, RON 95, and RON 98, stocks are also around 18 days. Therefore, there are no supply constraints,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Oil and Gas, Laode Sulaeman, stated that strict monitoring is being carried out to maintain national energy security.
“Because the Christmas and Eid al-Fitr celebrations are so close together, we are carefully maintaining fuel stocks to ensure they remain secure and sufficient,” he said.
Meanwhile, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is also taking various anticipatory measures, including increasing refinery production and increasing imports according to quotas. Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director, Mars Ega Legowo Putra, stated that the national stock is currently at 20.2 days and continues to increase.
“As of today, the national stock is at 20.2 days, and we will continue to increase it,” he said, adding that the stock is targeted to reach 22 to 23 days.
