Jakarta. Indonesia will increase its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports this year to 7.8 million tons from 7.3 million tons previously, with around 70% of the supply sourced from the United States, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Tuesday.

Indonesia is a major LPG importer due to limited domestic production and sustained demand driven by subsidized household consumption. 

The import adjustment follows a $15 billion reciprocal trade agreement signed last month in Washington covering energy products, including gasoline and LPG. The deal forms part of Jakarta’s broader effort to secure tariff relief from the White House.

“This year, LPG imports are raised to 7.8 million tons, with 70% now coming from the United States and 30% from the Middle East, particularly from Saudi Aramco,” Bahlil told a press conference in Jakarta.

Bahlil warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could disrupt energy flows from the region, including supplies linked to Saudi Aramco. Tensions have also affected shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas trade.

“Information suggests that tensions in the Middle East are also impacting Saudi Aramco,” Bahlil said. “Our alternative is to switch. We do not want to take risks, so part of our procurement will be redirected to countries not linked to the Strait of Hormuz.”

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