Indonesia currently has fuel reserves that can last for around 20 days, according to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia.
“Currently, fuel reserves are still 20 days,” Bahlil said, as quoted by Kontan.
He said the reserves are sufficient to meet domestic fuel needs for now, despite rising concerns over the conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The war has raised concerns globally about energy supply and oil prices, particularly because the Middle East remains one of the world’s key oil-producing regions.
United States President Donald Trump recently stated that the US military is prepared for a prolonged confrontation.
“From the beginning, we estimated four to five weeks, but we have the capability to last much longer than that,” he said, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Trump said the US military could sustain operations beyond the initial estimate if necessary.
The situation has drawn attention to the potential impact on countries that rely heavily on imported oil, including Indonesia.
Oil Prices Could Rise if Conflict Continues
Energy observer and economist at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Fahmy Radhi, said Indonesia could face higher oil prices if the war continues for a longer period.
He explained that the fuel reserves currently available were purchased before the conflict escalated.
“If the war lasts longer, Indonesia will be forced to buy at higher prices. It could reach US$100 per barrel,” Fahmy said when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday (March 3, 2026).
Global oil prices have already shown signs of rising.
According to Reuters, Brent crude oil closed at US$77.74 per barrel on March 2, 2026, after increasing US$4.87 or 6.7 per cent during trading.
The rise followed a statement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) indicating readiness to target ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Meanwhile, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil rose US$4.21, or 6.3 per cent, to US$71.23 per barrel.
Government Plans to Increase Storage Capacity
Bahlil said Indonesia’s fuel reserve level is still within the national standard.
“That’s our capacity, so the national standard is a minimum of 20 to 21 days,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (March 4, 2026), as quoted by Tempo.
He explained that Indonesia’s maximum fuel storage capacity currently reaches about 25 days.
“Why don’t we have more than 25 days’ worth of stock? Because even if we had some, where would we store it? There’s not enough storage,” he said.
Bahlil added that the government has started diversifying crude oil imports, including sourcing supplies from the United States instead of relying heavily on the Middle East.
“It’s already underway. Gradually, yes, gradually,” he said after attending an iftar event at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta on Wednesday evening (March 4).
He said imports cannot be increased all at once because Indonesia has limited crude oil storage facilities.
The government is therefore working to expand storage capacity. According to Antara, Indonesia plans to increase its fuel storage capacity from around 25–26 days to 90 days, or roughly three months, in line with international standards.
Panic Buying Reported in Central Aceh
Concerns over fuel availability have also been seen in several regions. In Central Aceh Regency, Aceh, residents formed long queues at a petrol station on Jalan Lintang in Takengon on Wednesday (March 4, 2026).
Hundreds of residents arrived carrying jerry cans to purchase fuel amid the long lines of motorcycles and cars.
The queue stretched hundreds of metres from the petrol station entrance to the main road.
Local residents gathered around the station throughout the afternoon and evening as they attempted to secure fuel supplies.
