Jakarta. The Indonesian government confirmed on Tuesday that Shell Indonesia has purchased 100,000 barrels of base fuel imported by state-owned Pertamina, signaling a breakthrough after weeks of strained supply at private fuel stations.

Under current policy, Pertamina holds exclusive rights to import fuel into Indonesia, meaning private retailers such as Shell, BP-AKR, and Vivo must procure base fuel through the state energy company. The arrangement contributed to stock shortages at several private filling stations after Shell initially declined to buy Pertamina’s supply.

“Shell has reached an agreement with Pertamina. The delivery of approximately 100,000 barrels will arrive soon,” Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Yuliot Tanjung told reporters in Jakarta.

The transaction marks Shell’s first fuel purchase via Pertamina since the import restrictions took effect in early September.

Separately, Pertamina Patra Niaga -- the company’s downstream sales division -- announced that 100,000 barrels of fuel have been dispatched to private retailer Vivo.

Vivo, owned by Vitol Asia Pte Ltd, canceled 40,000 barrels from a 100,000-barrel cargo last month after laboratory testing detected 3.5 percent ethanol content in the shipment.

Private fuel retailers have previously negotiated terms for purchasing base fuel from Pertamina, including requirements for unblended fuel without additives or dyes, independent quality testing, and transparent price formulas.

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