Indonesia plans to start importing crude oil from Russia

Indonesia intends to start importing crude oil from Russia as early as April, as announced by the country’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, as reported by ANTARA.

He noted that the country needs to expand cooperation with global energy producers, including Russia and African nations.

Indonesia produces approximately 600,000 barrels of oil per day, whilst consumption reaches 1.6 million barrels. On an annual basis, the country requires around 300 million barrels of oil. Demand for liquefied petroleum gas in Indonesia is expected to reach 10 million tonnes by 2026, whilst domestic production capacity is estimated at 1.6 million tonnes.

"We must explore oil reserves from various sources, not just from one country. I have also met with our Russian counterparts. [...] The government upholds an independent and active policy, including in the economic sector. We can source supplies from any country as long as we maintain strong partnerships," said Bachlil Lahadalia.

The Indonesian government regards Russia as an important partner in supporting stability and safeguarding its economic interests and economic growth. Russia has expressed its readiness to supply crude oil and invest in infrastructure to support Indonesia’s energy security.

"Our countries cooperate closely and interact well in various international forums. Indonesia is now a member of BRICS, and this opens up new opportunities to develop our cooperation," noted Russian President Vladimir Putin following talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Moscow at the Kremlin.

The parties agreed to develop long-term cooperation in the energy sector, which will be implemented through both government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) schemes, with the aim of ensuring the availability and sustainability of national energy reserves.

In addition, Indonesia is discussing the possibility of importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia. According to the island nation’s energy minister, the issue of the share of LPG imports from Russia remains under discussion.

Bahlil Lahadalia met with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev in Moscow. As noted on the Russian Ministry of Energy’s website, issues relating to the exploration, production and storage of energy resources were discussed, and attention was also paid to cooperation in the electricity sector and collaboration in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. Sergey Tsivilev noted that in the field of nuclear energy, Russia proposes the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem which, in addition to the construction of energy facilities, involves the development of the necessary scientific and technical expertise, including the training of personnel based on the experience of the Russian engineering school.

"As a strategic partner, we are ready to cooperate, particularly in the supply of oil and gas, storage, and electricity, specifically nuclear power stations," said Sergey Tsivilev.

The BRICS countries are actively discussing the development of cooperation in the energy sector. The 11th meeting of the working group on cooperation with the member states of the alliance took place at the Russian Ministry of Energy.

"We consider the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform to be an important mechanism for energy dialogue among the group’s member states and support its development. We look forward to the active participation of Russian companies and organisations in the platform’s activities, including in the working streams 'Technology' and ‘Human Resources Development'"

Roman Marshavin Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation

The meeting participants discussed the priorities for energy cooperation during India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, the results of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform’s work, and plans for 2026. Particular attention will be paid to the development of youth energy cooperation and educational initiatives.