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Govt denies buying Russian oil but leaves door open
Government officials say no decision has been made to buy Russian oil but have not ruled out such purchases in the future.
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A Russian flag flies atop a diesel plant in the Yarakta oil field owned by Irkutsk Oil Company (INK) in Irkutsk Region, Russia, on March 10, 2019. (Reuters/VASILY FEDOSENKO)
Government officials have denied plans for Indonesia to buy Russian oil but do not rule out such purchases in the future.
News agency Reuters reported on Tuesday that state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina had added Russian oil grades to its tender lists for September restocking, citing three anonymous traders.
Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto told reporters at his office on Tuesday that there was “no plan yet” to import oil from Russia.
Likewise, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan told The Jakarta Post “not yet” when asked about such a plan on Tuesday, suggesting that no decision had been made on the matter but not ruling out future purchases.
Earlier this month, Zulkifli spoke about the matter before Commission VI of the House of Representatives, which oversees trade, among other matters.
The minister said Indonesia would not breach any “international rules” should Jakarta greenlight purchases of Russian oil.
“Why don’t we want [to buy Russian oil]? [Because] we’re afraid. There’s no room for being afraid in trade. How can one conduct trade if one is afraid?” He said on July 8.
