The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is set to implement a single-gateway policy for fuel imports through state-owned oil company PT Pertamina in a bid to address recent shortages at several private gas stations.

Deputy ESDM Minister Yuliot Tanjung said the ministry is still gathering detailed consumption data from private fuel retailers to ensure that import volumes will adequately meet their needs.

“Based on preliminary consolidation, total import requirements reach around 1.4 million kiloliters (KL). From this, we will determine how much Pertamina will handle and how much will be allocated for private operators,” Yuliot said on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

He emphasized that the single-gateway mechanism is designed to avoid mismatches in allocation.

“The import process will be handled by Pertamina. We want to make sure that the supply distributed later truly meets demand, so there won’t be problems during implementation,” he said.

The planned imports will be sourced from the United States as part of a bilateral trade agreement.

“There are several U.S. companies, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron, that can conduct procurement. From where they source it is up to them, but this will be recorded as part of our trade balance with the U.S.,” Yuliot said.

Meanwhile, Pertamina’s commercial subholding, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, has reported a significant shift in consumer behavior, with demand for non-subsidized fuel products climbing steadily.

As of July 2025, Pertamina Patra Niaga recorded total fuel sales of 59 million KL, with non-subsidized products accounting for 41 percent. The company operates more than 15,000 service points nationwide, including 573 locations under the government’s “One Price Fuel” program.

Pertamina Patra Niaga President director, Mars Ega Legowo Putra, noted that consumption of Pertamax (RON 92) rose 24 percent year-on-year, Pertamax Turbo (RON 98) by 55 percent, and Pertamina (diesel fuel) by 19 percent.

“This growth is partly driven by the implementation of the targeted subsidy program through MyPertamina. With subsidized products such as Pertalite and subsidized diesel requiring QR code purchases, many consumers are shifting toward non-subsidized fuel,” Mars Ega said during a hearing with SOEs Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday, September 15, 2025.