Energy Minister: Fuel Blending at Refineries is a Common Practice

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that blending fuel at refineries is a common practice, provided that the final product meets the required specifications.

"It is permissible as long as the quality and specifications remain intact," Bahlil said when asked about fuel blending at refineries during a statement at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta on Friday (Feb 28, 2025).

He assured the public that there is no need to worry about the quality of fuel sold at Pertamina gas stations. Additionally, he emphasized that high-quality fuel, such as RON 95 and RON 98, will not be subject to blending.

"There are various fuel types, from RON 90, RON 92, to RON 98. The high-quality ones won’t be blended because they already meet specific standards. So, there’s nothing to worry about," he added.

Crude Oil Must Be Processed Domestically

Bahlil also stressed that crude oil produced by oil and gas contractors (KKKS) must be processed at domestic refineries rather than being exported.

He acknowledged that domestic oil production varies in specifications and may not always align with the existing refinery capabilities. However, he insisted that this should not be a reason to export crude oil abroad.

"In the past, a significant portion of our domestic oil production was exported. Now, we no longer allow that. High-quality crude oil will be blended with lower-quality oil so that it can be processed domestically," he stated firmly.

One of the key methods to optimize oil refining, according to Bahlil, is by blending high-grade crude oil with lower-grade oil to match domestic refinery specifications.

"The way to do it is by blending premium-quality oil with mid-tier oil to ensure it meets our refinery standards," he explained.

To further ensure fuel quality, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will also conduct audits on the fuel distributed in the market.