Indonesia secures alternative crude supplies as Pertamina tankers remain in Hormuz

By Calvin Purba and Cepi Setiadi

Indonesia has secured alternative crude oil supplies after two tankers were held back in the Middle East, while state energy firm PT Pertamina (Persero) said domestic fuel stocks remain secure despite heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government had moved quickly to ensure crude supply would not be disrupted after two vessels owned by Pertamina International Shipping were affected by the situation in the strategic waterway.

“Regarding the two vessels from the Strait of Hormuz that are now on their way back, we are pursuing diplomatic efforts to find a better solution so they can be released. Even if they are not released, we have already sought alternative crude sources and secured them,” Bahlil said at a press conference on Tuesday.

He stressed that the situation would not significantly disrupt Indonesia’s crude oil supply but did not disclose the origin of the alternative cargoes.

Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication Muhammad Baron confirmed that two company vessels remain in the Strait of Hormuz, while two others have exited the area.

“It is true that two Pertamina vessels are still in the Strait of Hormuz. We continue to closely monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety of our crews and the security of our assets,” Baron said.

Read also: Hormuz shutdown and Qatar LNG halt drive surge in gas and oil prices, ICIS says

He said the vessels and their crews were in safe condition and that the company was coordinating with the Foreign Ministry and other authorities to safeguard its personnel and assets.

Around 19% of Indonesia’s crude oil imports originate from the Middle East and transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Baron said. To mitigate risks, Pertamina has implemented regular, alternative and emergency distribution schemes to ensure supply continuity.

“All alternatives are being assessed and pursued. What we can confirm is that fuel stocks for Ramadan and Idul Fitri were secured prior to this incident. Therefore, the public should remain calm and use energy wisely,” he said.

Baron added that Pertamina’s refineries are operating at increased capacity to optimize crude processing, and that all business units will participate in a Ramadan and Idul Fitri task force to ensure smooth fuel distribution during the peak travel period.

On fuel pricing, he said adjustments remain under review as the company monitors global oil prices and supply conditions.

With contingency measures in place, both the government and Pertamina expressed confidence that Indonesia’s energy security would remain intact despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak