Government Denies Fuel Monopoly Rumors, Collaboration with Pertamina a Solution to Shortages
Jakarta – The government has emphasized that there are no monopolistic practices in the current fuel import policy. In fact, the one-stop import scheme issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is seen as a consolidation measure to maintain energy sovereignty and protect consumers from the risk of unstable prices.
Trisakti University public policy expert, Trubus Rahardiansah, assessed the policy as appropriate. He emphasized that it cannot be considered discriminatory or monopolistic. “This is neither discrimination nor monopoly. Rather, it consolidates supply so that volume, quality, and financing remain controlled at the national level. This way, potential inefficiencies and price disparities can be avoided,” he said in Jakarta.
Trubus added that the fuel shortages experienced by several private gas stations should serve as a lesson for the industry. He believes the supply shortage is more due to weak logistics planning than limited import quotas. Moreover, the government has increased the fuel import quota for the private sector by 10 percent by 2025, bringing the total to 110 percent compared to the previous year.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, also emphasized that the issue of import restrictions is false. He explained that the government is actually providing more space for the private sector to meet its supply needs. However, he emphasized that the most realistic solution to mitigate the supply crisis is direct collaboration with Pertamina. “Our national supply is still sufficient. If the private sector needs additional supplies, they can collaborate directly with Pertamina,” he said after a meeting at the Presidential Palace.
According to Bahlil, this policy aligns with the constitutional mandate, which states that business sectors affecting the livelihoods of many people must remain under state control. “Fuel is a matter of people’s lives. The state is obligated to ensure safe distribution,” he concluded.
Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth Marchelino Verieza, expressed Pertamina’s readiness to support the government’s directives. He emphasized that Pertamina is committed to maintaining supply while providing the best service to the public.
In the field, a number of private gas stations have indeed experienced stock shortages, including in the Greater Jakarta area. Nevertheless, Bahlil is optimistic that this problem can be resolved quickly through collaboration with Pertamina. “This step will maintain availability and prevent public panic,” he concluded.
