Jakarta. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Pertamina is intensifying communication with private fuel retailers as the state-owned energy giant moves toward finalizing a business-to-business (B2B) agreement on base fuel supply with Shell and Vivo. The initiative marks an expansion of Pertamina’s cooperation, which so far has only involved BP-AKR.

Bahlil said he joined a coordination meeting with Pertamina to review the progress of the negotiations. The government will not intervene in the commercial arrangements but will provide space for companies to collaborate as long as the deals follow fair competition principles and regulatory requirements.

“Let them collaborate under a B2B scheme and do it properly,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

The minister also assured the public that Indonesia’s national fuel reserves remain secure as discussions continue. Current stocks stand at 18 days, which is still within the government’s safe threshold of 18 to 19 days.

“As of today, our fuel stock is safe. Our reserves are at 18 days, and that is within the minimum safe limit,” he said.

The discussions gained momentum after several private fuel stations, including those operated by Vivo, Shell, and BP-AKR, reported shortages earlier this year. The supply gaps were largely driven by a spike in consumption during the mid-year period, prompting fuel distributors to look for alternative procurement channels.

Laode Sulaeman, Director General of Oil and Gas at the ministry, said private operators are currently in advanced negotiations with Pertamina Patra Niaga, which oversees Pertamina’s downstream oil and gas business. He added that ensuring stable supply across all private stations is critical to maintaining consumer confidence and market balance.

As a longer-term measure, the ministry is encouraging all non-state fuel distributors to secure structured cooperation with Pertamina to avoid stock disruptions and stabilize the domestic fuel market.

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