Vivo, BP agree to resume fuel talks with Pertamina as stations run dry

Private fuel retailers Vivo and BP-AKR have agreed to advance negotiations with Pertamina Patra Niaga, the trading arm of state-owned energy company Pertamina, regarding domestic base fuel supply. This marks renewed progress after earlier talks stalled due to technical concerns.

Indonesia’s private gas stations, particularly those operated by Vivo and BP-AKR, have faced fuel shortages in recent months. In response, the government has urged these companies to source base fuel—which contains no additives—from Pertamina, rather than importing supplies independently from abroad.

Vivo and BP-AKR had previously withdrawn from the negotiations, citing concerns over ethanol content in the fuel. However, according to Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Acting Corporate Secretary, Roberth MV Dumatubun, the companies have now expressed willingness to resume discussions.

Read also : Shell, BP, and Vivo delay fuel purchase from Pertamina

 “Vivo and BP-AKR have agreed to move the talks forward to the technical stage,” Roberth said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday.

The next phase of the negotiations will focus on drafting a declaration of commitment to good corporate governance, including adherence to regulations on anti-trust, anti-money laundering, and anti-bribery policies. Pertamina will also ask the retailers to submit their base fuel volume requirements.

Following that, discussions will center on product specifications, key terms, and the general terms of the partnership.

 “Pertamina will tailor the product specifications to suit each retailer’s needs. We will also provide the key terms in detail, including appointing a joint surveyor for verification,” Roberth added.

If consensus is reached, the process will move to procurement. Once a tender winner is selected, the parties will discuss commercial terms and conduct joint inspections. Distribution of base fuel to private retailers is expected to begin around the third week of this month.

Roberth also emphasized that Pertamina will implement a unified procurement system to avoid duplication or overlap in fuel shipments.

Meanwhile, Shell has not resumed talks, as it is still coordinating with its global headquarters. ExxonMobil has opted to defer discussions until November, citing adequate current fuel stocks.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak