Indonesia says 70pc of its gas stays home — Singapore feels the cut first

Indonesia Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia (right) says the country is prioritising its own gas consumption. — Anadolu pic via AFP

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 3:58 PM MYT

Last Modified: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 3:59 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Oct 24 — Effective Saturday, Indonesia begins reducing natural gas exports to Singapore by a planned 31 billion British thermal units per day (BBTUD), according to the country’s upstream oil and gas regulator.

Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas) chief Djoko Siswanto said the reduction comprised 15 BBTUD from the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea and 16 BBTUD from Sumatra island in western Indonesia.

“Starting tomorrow (Saturday), we will reduce gas exports to Singapore, 15 BBTUD from Natuna and 16 BBTUD from Sumatra,” he said according to a report by state news agency Antara on Saturday.

Djoko said Singapore was the only country affected by the reduction, as the gas export pipelines involved were connected directly to the city-state.

The announcement follows remarks on Wednesday by Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, Bahlil Lahadalia, that the government was considering not extending gas exports to neighbouring countries.

Bahlil, who also serves as Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, said Indonesia would review its gas exports to prioritise domestic consumption, particularly to support the development of downstream petrochemical industries.

He said Indonesia currently exports 30 per cent of its natural gas production, while the remaining 70 per cent is consumed domestically. The allocation would be reviewed, he added. — Bernama