ESDM ministry calls for synchronization with Pertamina as demand shifts from subsidized to non-subsidized fuel
Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) will summon private fuel retailers including Shell, BP, and Vivo for urgent talks with Pertamina after reports of fuel shortages at several non-Pertamina gas stations.
Urgent Meeting With Retailers
Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman confirmed that the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, was initiated under the instruction of the Energy Minister. The agenda: synchronizing fuel volumes and specifications between Pertamina and private stations. Authorities indicated that private operators may be asked to buy fuel from Pertamina to stabilize supply.
Trigger: Shifting Demand
Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung explained that shortages stemmed from a sudden shift in consumption. With Pertamina requiring QR codes to purchase subsidized fuel, many motorists unable or unwilling to register switched to non-subsidized products. This added roughly 1.4 million kiloliters in unexpected demand for private operators, straining their reserves.
Shortages On The Ground
Several Shell and BP stations in Greater Jakarta have run out of key petrol products. Field checks showed Shell Super and Shell V-Power gasoline unavailable, while some BP outlets offered only Ultimate Diesel. Shell Indonesia’s President Director Ingrid Siburian confirmed the disruption, saying supply of certain grades was suspended until further notice, though diesel products and other services remain available.
Import Quotas Increased
Officials stressed that the shortages were not caused by import restrictions. ESDM spokesperson Dwi Anggia said the government actually raised private import quotas by 10% this year, bringing them to 110% of 2024’s levels. “If supplies run low, private operators can purchase from Pertamina under business-to-business mechanisms,” she said.
Policy Intentions
The government defended the QR code system as a way to ensure fuel subsidies reach only those eligible. Anggia argued the shift was a positive outcome, ensuring higher-income consumers buy non-subsidized fuel, leaving subsidized Pertalite targeted at lower-income motorists.
Broader Energy Implications
Beyond immediate shortages, the situation highlights Indonesia’s balancing act between subsidy reform, market demand, and energy security. With rising reliance on imports and increased consumption pressure, the government faces renewed scrutiny on its ability to guarantee stable fuel distribution across both state-run and private stations.
As shortages ripple through private fuel retailers, the government’s push for tighter subsidy targeting has collided with supply realities. Tuesday’s talks between ESDM, Pertamina, and private operators will determine whether synchronization can resolve immediate stock gaps while laying groundwork for fairer, more reliable fuel distribution nationwide.
Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , CNBC Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Fuel Shortage Indonesia, Shell BP Vivo, Pertamina Coordination, Non-Subsidized Fuel, ESDM Meeting, QR Code Policy
