Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Head of the Development Control and Special Investigation Agency (Bappisus), Aries Marsudiyanto, has refuted rumors of a fuel stock monopoly amid shortages at private gas stations.
"There's no monopoly. Everything is distributed as best as possible," Aries stated after a closed meeting on renewable energy with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 16, 2025.
Similarly, the President Director of state-owned gas and oil firm PT Pertamina, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, confirmed that no monopolistic practices are involved in fuel distribution. He clarified that the stock shortages at some private gas stations are a result of their established quotas.
"There is absolutely no monopoly," Simon said at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Simon explained that Pertamina and private gas stations receive different supply allocations based on market demand. He added that Pertamina's own supply is secure until the end of the year.
The government is currently drafting new regulations for private gas stations to purchase fuel through Pertamina. According to Simon, this policy could be a viable solution to address the shortages, and he believes Pertamina is prepared to serve as the primary distributor.
The day before, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia urged private gas station operators to collaborate with Pertamina to manage fuel stocks. The Chair of the Golkar Party emphasized that the government has already provided a 110 percent import quota this year compared to 2024.
"If there are still shortages, we ask for collaboration with Pertamina. Why? Because this is related to the essential needs of many people," Bahlil stated at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 15, 2025.
Bahlil mentioned that private gas stations can and should collaborate with Pertamina and confirmed that a special team has been formed to address the stock shortages. However, he did not confirm whether additional supplies would be made available to private gas stations for the rest of the year.
When asked about the fuel monopoly allegations against Pertamina, Bahlil declined to comment and quickly headed to his car after the closed meeting.
Aries Marsudiyanto added that if there are technical issues in the field, all relevant parties must discuss them thoroughly. He believes that any discrepancy between policy decisions and their implementation on the ground requires a comprehensive evaluation.
– Alif Ilham Fajriadi contributed to the report