Indonesia’s state-owned Pertamina will likely keep gasoline imports low in September as slow vaccination rates continue dampening the country’s economic reopening, sources familiar with the company’s import plans said. According to them, Pertamina planned to import some 7 million barrels of gasoline next month, lower than 7 million-8 million barrels planned for August. This means that Southeast Asia’s largest gasoline importer will reduce volumes for the third consecutive month.
Indonesia has gradually eased movement restrictions in several regions in Java, but full restrictions would remain in place in some areas, including in tourism hubs of Bali and Yogyakarta, until August 30. Under the highest level of restrictions (PPKM Level-4), 100% of workers in non-essential sectors are ordered to work from home, no offline classes are allowed, and public transports are limited at 50% of capacity.
As of August 24, Indonesia reported 19,106 new daily cases, bringing the total cases to more than 4 million, with the overall death toll reaching 128,252. The health ministry said only 10% of the population had received two doses of vaccines as of August 22, while only around 20% had taken the first shot. Apple’s mobility data showed Indonesia hit a peak driving activity of 60% above baseline levels in late May to early June.
