Indonesia taps Lemigas for 150 million-barrel Russian oil imports

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said he had tasked the oil and gas testing center, Lemigas, with carrying out crude oil imports, including from Russia.

The assignment followed Indonesia’s commitment to draw 150 million barrels of Russian crude in stages through the end of 2026, a diplomatic gain resulting from President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit.

Speaking after a press conference at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Monday, Lahadalia pointed to Presidential Regulation No. 26 of 2026, which governs procurements of crude oil, fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) aimed at strengthening national energy security.

“Through the regulation, Mr. President expects energy imports to be managed by a public service agency, which is Lemigas in this context,” he added.

The minister said he would begin coordination with Lemigas today to prepare for the rollout of the import arrangements.

Lahadalia explained that empowering Lemigas in energy imports is primarily intended to shorten and simplify processes while paving the way for government-to-government transactions.

He added that such arrangements could then be followed up in collaboration with business entities.

This approach is set out in Article 4, paragraph (3) of the 2026 presidential regulation, which stipulates that imports by public service agencies in the energy sector are conducted in accordance with cooperation agreements.

The provision covers intergovernmental agreements, as well as deals between the government and foreign suppliers.

Meanwhile, Article 5 provides flexibility for state-run oil and gas company Pertamina and energy agencies to conduct imports in emergency situations, even when prices differ based on volume, product specifications, country of origin, and delivery time, in line with contractual agreements.

Under the regulation, the energy and mineral resources minister has the authority to declare an emergency situation.

Related news: Indonesia fast-tracks oil and gas rules to cut import dependence

Related news: Govt opens possibility of Lemigas oil import, including from Russia

Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026