Indonesia to end diesel imports by early 2026

VTV.vn - Indonesia will officially stop importing diesel in early 2026, marking an important milestone on the path to national energy self-sufficiency.

“I have reported to the President that from the beginning of 2026, Indonesia will no longer need to import diesel,” Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed to reporters on November 5. This turning point is made possible by the Balikpapan Refinery Upgrade and Expansion Project (RDMP) in East Kalimantan, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on November 10.

Mr. Lahadalia emphasized that the new plant will help increase domestic diesel production, enough to meet domestic demand without having to rely on imports. In addition, the government is also promoting its biofuel strategy, with the B50 program, which combines 50% vegetable oil (biodiesel) into traditional diesel fuel.

According to Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the combined output from the RDMP and B50 programs will not only meet domestic demand but also create a surplus supply, paving the way for future fuel exports. “Our goal is to complete the RDMP and implement B50. When these two projects operate simultaneously, Indonesia will have a surplus supply of diesel,” Lahadalia said optimistically.

The B50 program is expected to start in the second half of 2026. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered an accelerated transition from B40 to B50, although mandatory testing is still underway. Currently, Indonesia imports about 4.9–5 million tons of diesel per year. However, with the Balikpapan refinery operational and biofuel programs expanded, the country could end imports entirely and even move toward energy self-sufficiency and exports.

Source: https://vtv.vn/indonesia-se-cham-dut-nhap-khau-dau-diesel-vao-dau-nam-2026-100251106155525543.htm