Jakarta ( WNAM MONITORING): Indonesia is expanding crude oil supplies from Africa to mitigate potential energy disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno said on Thursday. He said Indonesia is seeking oil supplies from regions that do not rely on shipping routes through the strait.
“We are now collaborating a lot with Algeria, Nigeria, Angola — many African countries,” Havas said after a working meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta.
According to him, Africa has become a suitable alternative source of crude oil for Indonesia because shipments from the continent do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “We have received a lot of oil supplies from Africa. So far, we are fine,” he added.
Indonesia is also exploring oil import opportunities in Latin America, where many countries possess oil and gas resources. “We are looking at many countries there that have oil and gas potential. Almost all countries in Latin America have such potential,” Havas remarked.
Earlier in April, state-owned energy company Pertamina said Africa had become one of Indonesia’s alternative crude oil sources amid tensions in the Middle East.The company said the move was in line with Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s call to secure alternative crude oil supplies while the Strait of Hormuz remains affected by regional tensions.
Pertamina also said it continues to make every effort to ensure the availability of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households and industries. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf following the escalation of regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
