Jakarta, INTI - PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has confirmed its readiness to implement the mandatory B50 biodiesel program, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. The initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to reduce diesel imports, increase the use of domestically produced palm oil-based biodiesel, and strengthen Indonesia’s energy security.
Hari Purnomo, Director of Downstream Optimization and Distribution at Pertamina Patra Niaga, announced the company’s preparedness during a visit to the Plumpang Fuel Terminal in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.
“We are fully prepared to implement the B50 program starting in July 2026,” Hari stated.
According to him, Pertamina has ensured that all necessary infrastructure and energy distribution networks are ready to support the nationwide rollout of the policy.
He explained that the company’s distribution network, stretching from Sabang to Merauke, is fully equipped to handle the transition.
Hari emphasized that fuel distribution volumes will remain unchanged from those maintained under the B40 program.
The primary difference lies in the increased biodiesel content within the fuel blend.
Key Difference Between B40 and B50
Under the B40 mandate, fuel consists of 40 percent palm oil-based biodiesel and 60 percent conventional diesel.
With the introduction of B50, the composition will shift to an equal blend of 50 percent biodiesel and 50 percent diesel fuel.
Pertamina stated that B50 pricing will be determined based on prevailing market conditions when the policy officially takes effect.
Government Says B50 Has Passed Extensive Testing
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the B50 mandate will officially commence on July 1, 2026.
“The implementation of B50 has undergone multiple testing phases with positive results,” Bahlil said.
He noted that data collected as of June 18, 2026, showed that B50 recorded lower water content levels than B40.
The government has tested B50 across a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including heavy machinery, ships, trains, mining vehicles, excavators, and agricultural machinery.
Automotive sector testing began on December 2, 2025, and is expected to conclude in June 2026.
Meanwhile, evaluations involving agricultural and mining equipment are scheduled for completion during the second half of 2026.
Additional testing in the railway and power generation sectors is also ongoing.
The government believes that the nationwide implementation of B50 will deliver substantial economic benefits by reducing Indonesia’s dependence on imported C48 diesel fuel.
One of the key projected advantages is foreign exchange savings of up to IDR 157.28 trillion in 2026.
Both the government and Pertamina have expressed strong confidence in the rollout of the B50 mandate, viewing it as a crucial step toward enhancing national energy resilience, increasing the utilization of palm oil-based biodiesel, and reducing fuel import dependency.
Conclusion
The rollout of the B50 biodiesel mandate marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported diesel fuel. With nationwide infrastructure prepared and extensive technical testing completed, the initiative is expected to boost domestic biodiesel utilization, generate substantial foreign exchange savings, and support the country’s long-term energy transition goals.
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