Bahlil Lahadalia Speaks Out on Shell and BP AKR Fuel Shortages

KatadataOTO – A number of privately-owned gas stations (SPBU), such as Shell to BP AKR, are experiencing a shortage of fuel (BBM).

This situation has been ongoing for some time, making it difficult for the public to purchase Shell Super and other fuel types.

This has prompted several parties to speak out. One of them came from the government.

“The import permit has been settled since January 2025,” said Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of ESDM (Energy and Mineral Resources) to Antara, on Tuesday (4/2).

Photo : KatadataOTO

Furthermore, this aide to President Prabowo Subianto stated that the fuel shortage experienced by Shell and BP AKR was caused by a ship delay.

However, Bahlil was reluctant to explain in detail why the ship was late. According to him, the fuel shortage at private gas stations is beyond the government's control.

The government can only control Pertamina gas stations. Therefore, Bahlil Lahadalia declined to comment further.

“If our fuel supply is all clear today, it means there are no issues for public consumption,” he said.

Bahlil stated that the government's duty is to ensure the people can get fuel easily.

“That there are companies that may not be operating or whose goods are in transit, that is their business,” Bahlil Lahadalia affirmed.

Shell Admits to Issues

Previously, Shell had already explained why a number of their gas stations have been running out of fuel recently.

“Shell Indonesia would like to inform that there are currently obstacles in the procurement and distribution of fuel products,” said Ingrid Siburian, President Director & Managing Director Mobility, Shell Indonesia, when contacted by KatadataOTO.

Unfortunately, she did not explain in detail what obstacles they are facing, leading to the fuel scarcity at several gas stations.

Nevertheless, the multinational oil and gas company from the UK and the Netherlands is trying to rectify the situation.

This is to ensure their services return to normal, allowing the public to purchase all fuel types without difficulty.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“We are continuously coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the availability of fuel products at Shell gas stations as soon as possible,” Ingrid concluded.

However, she could not yet explain how long the fuel shortage will continue. Therefore, consumers will have to be patient.

It should be noted that some facilities, such as Shell Select and the workshops, are still serving customers and remain operational.