Indonesia is drafting new rules that would expand the number of entities allowed to import crude oil, including state-linked agencies, with a framework that could allow Russian purchases despite Western sanctions, Jakarta Globe reported Monday, citing a senior energy ministry official.
Director General of Oil and Gas, Laode Sulaeman, said state oil firm Pertamina currently manages crude imports but direct purchases from Russia are complicated by its exposure to global capital markets and bond covenants. He added that authorities are working on a new import framework to ensure any transactions comply with Pertamina's international financing obligations, the report said.
The proposal follows a crude supply agreement reached with Moscow after President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Russia, with Indonesia reportedly planning phased purchases of around 150 million barrels through year-end, the news outlet said.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)