Pertamina Hulu Rokan's Oil Production Faces Challenges

Production Shortfall Explained

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has reported that its oil production reached 151,000 barrels per day (bpd) as of October 2025, significantly below the target of 167,000 bpd. According to PHR's CEO, Ruby Mulyawan, the primary reasons behind this shortfall are related to electrical supply issues and gas supply constraints.

Electricity Supply Disruptions

The electricity supply for PHR's operations comes from two main sources: PT PLN (Persero) and PT Mandau Cipta Tenaga Nusantara (MCTN). Ruby explained during a hearing with Commission VII DPR RI that there were four major shutdowns in the electricity supply managed by PLN, which significantly impacted production. These disruptions led to the shutdown of production wells and reduced steam injection, ultimately affecting overall oil production.

Gas Supply Shortage

In addition to electricity issues, PHR also faces challenges with gas supply. The company requires between 210 to 220 billion British Thermal Units per day (BBTUD) to maintain optimal operations. However, since last year, PHR has been experiencing a gas supply deficit of around 20-25 BBTUD. This shortage has resulted in reduced power generation capacity and steam production, further compounding the production challenges.

Impact on Operations

The combined effect of electricity disruptions and gas shortages has led to a significant drop in PHR's oil production. The company has had to shut down production wells and reduce steam injection, directly impacting their ability to meet production targets. This situation highlights the critical need for reliable energy infrastructure to support upstream oil operations.