Jakarta. Indonesia’s energy supply remains secure despite rising concerns over the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said, urging the public not to panic-buy fuel.

Bahlil said the government has anticipated potential disruptions by maintaining oil reserves and preparing alternative import sources should tensions in the Middle East affect global energy supply.

Indonesia’s crude oil storage capacity can cover roughly 25 days of national consumption, he said, noting the level has long been the country’s standard storage capacity.

“The minimum safety threshold is above 20 days. Our current oil reserves stand at around 23 days, which means the supply is still within a safe range,” Bahlil said late Friday in Jakarta. “There is no need for panic buying. Supply remains stable.”

Alternative Supply Sources

Indonesia still relies partly on imported crude oil to supply domestic refineries, but imports from the Middle East account for only 20% to 25% of total supply, according to the minister.

To mitigate geopolitical risks, the government and state energy firm Pertamina have identified alternative crude suppliers, including the United States, Nigeria, and Brazil.

Indonesia’s diesel supply is produced entirely domestically, while gasoline imports largely come from nearby regional hubs such as Singapore and Malaysia, Bahlil added.

“We are continuing to strengthen our domestic refining industry to reduce dependence on imported fuel in the future,” he said.

Panic Buying Triggers Queues

The minister’s reassurances came as rumors of potential fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict sparked panic buying in parts of the country.

In Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra, long queues formed at several gas stations after residents rushed to fill their tanks amid fears that the war could disrupt global oil supply.

Vehicles reportedly lined up for nearly a kilometer at one station as motorists waited to purchase diesel and subsidized gasoline. Some drivers said they had waited for hours to refuel, disrupting daily work.

Gas station operators said the surge in demand was driven by panic buying rather than supply shortages.

“Fuel stocks are sufficient. We receive daily deliveries of diesel and gasoline according to demand,” said Muhammad Nur Salsabi, manager of a station in Rantauprapat.

Queues to buy fuel were also observed in Malang and Jember in East Java, as well as in Aceh.

One motorist in Aceh, Saiful Kamar, said on Thursday that many residents were queuing mainly because others were doing the same.

“Our society often follows the crowd. When people see others lining up, they join in. They worry that if they don’t queue, the fuel will run out, even though Pertamina’s stock is actually safe,” he told Antara news agency.

Pertamina Urges Calm

Officials from Pertamina Patra Niaga, the fuel distribution arm of Pertamina, also assured the public that supplies of gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas remain stable across the country.

Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, communications manager for Pertamina Patra Niaga’s northern Sumatra region, urged residents not to believe misinformation circulating on social media that encourages people to stockpile fuel.

“Energy supply continues to be maintained so it can be distributed properly to the public,” she said.

Similar assurances were issued by Pertamina’s West Java regional office, which said fuel and LPG supplies remain sufficient to meet demand through the Ramadan fasting month and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Officials said temporary queues at some gas stations were mainly caused by a surge in purchases as motorists rushed to fill their tanks amid concerns that geopolitical tensions could drive global oil prices higher.

Despite the increased demand, Pertamina said fuel distribution remains stable as supplies are replenished regularly through a rolling inventory system.

Indonesia continues to monitor developments in the Middle East conflict, Bahlil said, adding that the government would ensure energy supply remains stable even if tensions escalate further.

“Even if there is war in the Middle East, our energy supply is secure,” he said. “People should remain calm and not be provoked by misinformation.”

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