Vivo and BP Cancel Pertamina Fuel Purchase After Ethanol Found in Shipment
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id — Private fuel retailers Vivo and BP have canceled plans to purchase 40,000 barrels of imported base fuel from Pertamina after laboratory tests detected 3.5 percent ethanol content in the shipment.
Pertamina Patra Niaga Vice President Director Achmad Muchtasyar confirmed the cancellation during a hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.
“Vivo canceled the purchase after initially agreeing to buy 40,000 barrels of base fuel. In the end, it was no longer approved,” Achmad said.
The two private operators had earlier agreed to increase their fuel imports through Pertamina, following directives from Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. Vivo had committed to 40,000 barrels before withdrawing.
According to Achmad, the cancellation came after testing revealed ethanol content of 3.5 percent in the base fuel imported by Pertamina. He stressed, however, that the level remained within regulatory standards. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources allows ethanol blends of up to 20 percent in gasoline.
“This ethanol content is the reason our partners did not continue with the purchase. It is not a quality issue, but a matter of content,” Achmad explained.
As a result, around 100,000 barrels of imported fuel went unsold to private retailers. Achmad said discussions with the companies would continue, with negotiations expected for the next cargo arriving later this week.
Ethanol blending in gasoline has been adopted globally as part of efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut emissions. Indonesia’s government regulations permit up to 20 percent ethanol content in gasoline sold domestically, aligning with practices in major fuel-consuming nations. In the United States, for example, most gasoline sold contains up to 10 percent ethanol, while higher blends of 15 percent (E15) and 85 percent (E85) are also available in certain markets.