Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – A statement by Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia that national fuel stocks would last just 20–25 days, has triggered widespread panic buying and public anxiety across several regions, especially those still recovering from recent disasters.
The government is now urging citizens to remain calm, emphasising that fuel reserves are continuously replenished through routine distribution and imports.
Bahlil clarified that the issue is not only limited supply but also severely constrained domestic storage capacity. Indonesia’s current fuel storage facilities can only hold reserves equivalent to roughly 22–23 days of consumption.
“If we were asked to store supplies for 60 days, where would we put it? We simply don’t have the storage,” Bahlil said, as quoted by KompasTV on Friday, 6 March 2026.
Earlier, the minister had also warned that national fuel reserves would last only about 20 days in the event of a major global distribution disruption — for example, if the strategic Strait of Hormuz were closed due to escalating conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance in the Middle East.
Trauma from Past Disasters and the Upcoming Eid Homecoming Rush
The panic buying is not driven solely by the minister’s remarks. It is also rooted in painful memories of fuel shortages during last November’s devastating floods.
That trauma has prompted many residents in affected areas to stock up early. The situation is further intensified by the sharp rise in fuel demand as millions prepare for the annual Eid al-Fitr homecoming (mudik) exodus.
“During the November floods, fuel was extremely hard to get. We had to queue for hours, and often there was nothing left. If you bought from street vendors, the price could exceed Rp50,000 per litre,” said Iqbal Wahyudi, a flood victim from South Tapanuli, North Sumatra.
Pertamina: “Supply Is Safe, Please Do Not Panic”
Responding to the growing public concern, state energy giant Pertamina has firmly assured citizens that fuel and LPG supplies remain secure through the Eid period.
Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR for Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Sumbagut Region, stated:
“We appeal to the public to stay calm and refrain from panic buying. Pertamina has taken multiple precautionary measures, including building up stocks, strengthening distribution infrastructure, and coordinating with all relevant parties.”
In East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, the situation is equally stable. Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager for Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Jatimbalinus Region, confirmed:
“Distribution continues to run normally. We are also implementing the RAE (Regular, Alternative, and Emergency) distribution method specifically to maintain supply stability if demand suddenly spikes.”
20-Day Reserve Does NOT Mean Fuel Will Run Out
Senior economist from INDEF, Tauhid Ahmad, cautioned against misinterpreting the 20-day figure. He explained that this number represents an operational reserve that is constantly circulating and renewed every day through ongoing imports and distribution.
“It does not mean that after 20 days the fuel will simply disappear. Pertamina continues to purchase and distribute fuel on a sustainable basis,” he told Sindonews.
Tauhid added that the operational reserve level complies with government regulation — specifically BPH Migas Regulation No. 9 of 2020, which requires fuel business licence holders to maintain a minimum 23-day operational reserve.
He also pointed to the financial dimension: Indonesia still imports the majority of its crude oil needs, with around 20% coming from Saudi Arabia and the remainder from other countries. (aan/rhd)
