Indonesia's Gas Stations Run Dry Amid Import Restrictions

Shell and BP gas stations in Indonesia are experiencing fuel shortages due to import curbs and government quotas. The three Shell gasoline brands are unavailable at some locations, while BP stations are facing shortages of some products. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia encouraged private companies to purchase supplies from state-owned PT Pertamina. Shell had agreed to sell its Indonesian operations earlier this year.

Fuel shortages at Shell and BP gas stations in Indonesia have been reported due to import curbs and government quotas. The three Shell gasoline brands are unavailable at some locations, while BP stations are facing shortages of certain products. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has encouraged private companies to purchase supplies from state-owned PT Pertamina to address the issue [1].

The Indonesian government regulates oil product imports through government quotas. While the country produces some crude oil locally, it remains a net importer due to a lack of refining capacity. This reliance on imports has led to the current fuel shortages [1].

Shell Plc and BP Plc have been coordinating with the Indonesian Energy Ministry to ensure fuel availability. Shell has confirmed that its fuel distribution operations in Indonesia are transitioning to a joint venture between Philippines-based Citadel Pacific Ltd. and Sefas Group [1].

Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung has announced that the government will discuss the ongoing fuel scarcity with Pertamina and all private gas station operators. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is working to align the import needs of private gas station operators with Pertamina, citing concerns over Indonesia's trade balance [2].

Earlier this year, Shell agreed to sell its Indonesian gas stations and associated fuel distribution operations to the joint venture. The transition is ongoing, and Shell has run out of stock at multiple stations due to the current fuel shortages [3].

The government has denied that import curbs are the cause of the current fuel shortages. Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung stated that the government will issue import permits for private operators without a hitch [3].

As the fuel shortages persist, the government is strengthening Pertamina's role in meeting the fuel demand. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has suggested that private gas stations consider purchasing fuel from Pertamina rather than relying solely on imports [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-04/shell-bp-gas-stations-run-dry-in-indonesia-on-import-curbs
[2] https://en.tempo.co/read/2045930/energy-ministry-to-discuss-fuel-scarcity-issue-with-shell-bp
[3] https://jakartaglobe.id/business/govt-denies-import-curbs-cause-shells-fuel-shortage