Indonesia Implements Comprehensive Ban on Private Solar Diesel Imports by April 2026

Policy Overview

The Indonesian government has announced a comprehensive ban on private imports of solar diesel effective April 2026 ¹

²

Source 2

https://newssetup.kontan.co.id/news/april-2026-impor-solar-dilarang-spbu-swasta-terjepit

. This policy requires all solar diesel needs, including those of private fuel stations, to be met through domestic refinery production or supply from PT Pertamina (Persero) ¹

Source 1

https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/impor-solar-swasta-dihentikan-mulai-april-2026-ruang-gerak-spbu-swasta-menyempit

. The decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign oil products and maximize the utilization of domestic refining capacity.

Domestic Refining Capacity

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has emphasized that Indonesia's current refining capacity of approximately 1.18 million barrels per day is sufficient to meet domestic needs when properly managed ²

. The national refining capacity is distributed across several facilities including Kilang Cilacap (348,000 bph), RDMP Balikpapan (360,000 bph), and other smaller refineries ²

Source 2

https://newssetup.kontan.co.id/news/april-2026-impor-solar-dilarang-spbu-swasta-terjepit

.

Impact on Private Fuel Stations

The new policy is expected to significantly impact private fuel station operators as they will no longer be able to import solar diesel directly. Instead, they will have to rely on Pertamina or domestic refineries for their supply ¹

. This change could potentially affect their operational flexibility and cost structure.

Government Assurance and Future Projections

Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that with the completion of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Balikpapan in 2026, Indonesia is expected to have a surplus of solar diesel production, potentially between 3 to 4 million kiloliters ⁴

. This surplus is anticipated to more than meet domestic demand, thereby supporting the government's decision to halt imports.

Current Stock Status

As of late December 2025, Indonesia's fuel stock, including solar diesel, was reported to be sufficient for approximately 20 days of consumption, exceeding the government's minimum stock requirement ³

. This buffer is seen as a positive indicator of the country's ability to manage the transition away from imports.