INTERNATIONAL – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has indicated that the quota for private sector fuel imports (BBM) in 2026 may not be limited to the 10 percent cap seen this year. The ministry is still calculating and evaluating data from 2025’s import realization and private-state cooperation to determine the next year’s limits and mechanisms.
Laode Sulaeman, Director General of Oil and Gas at ESDM, acknowledged that while no fixed figure is confirmed yet, the possibility of increasing the quota is open. “There is always a possibility. But if I speak now, I might be wrong, since I haven’t done the calculation yet,” he said during comments in Jakarta.
He clarified that the 2026 quota would not necessarily follow the 10 percent increment used in 2025. Instead, ESDM intends to formulate a more flexible, market-responsive mechanism. “No, not 10 percent limit. I don’t want to leak numbers yet, but we will make a better mechanism,” he remarked.
In the current year, private fuel stations did receive a 10 percent expansion of import allocation, in addition to collaboration with Pertamina to mitigate shortages. However, shortages still emerged, leading to calls for adjustments.
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To ensure balance, the government intends to observe the national commodity balance closely. Laode warned against excessive import beyond what domestic supply and reserves can support. He stressed that import expansion must be conditional and aligned with Pertamina’s allocated quotas and market absorption capacity.
Currently, private operators are submitting their projections for 2026 import needs. These proposals will be used by ESDM to assess how much quota to allocate. The ministry also plans to establish clearer rules for import authorization and enforcement.
Some industry observers view the potential quota increase as a response to persistent supply gaps at private fuel stations in parts of the country. With growing demand for non-subsidized fuel, the government faces pressure to ensure steady availability without destabilizing domestic markets.
By signaling flexibility rather than a rigid cap, ESDM appears to be setting the stage for a more dynamic and responsive import regime. The final quota and accompanying rules are expected to be announced after full evaluation of 2025 import data, market conditions, and supply chain considerations.
