JAKARTA. PT Humpuss Maritim Internasional Tbk (HUMI) has purchased a tanker worth US$ 6 million to meet market needs for the basic ingredient of Biodiesel 35 (B35), namely methanol.

The purchase of the new tanker was funded by the company's capital expenditure (capex) for the 2023 financial year. In the budget that has been prepared, the company allocated part of the capital expenditure for the purchase of 3 tanker units.

Tirta Hidayat, President Director of HUMI, said that the increase in methanol demand is in line with the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) Number 33 of 2023 regarding energy conservation. This regulation encourages the use of biofuels for fuel oil (BBM) mixtures.

"Apart from that, it is not just methanol that is the 'driver' of the chemical sector. The development of the nickel industry will increase demand for caustic soda and sulfuric acid. Caustic soda and sulfuric acid are really needed by smelter factories and battery factories in Indonesia." explained Tirta, through an official statement.

Tirta added that the additional fleet owned by HUMI ​​would be a positive catalyst for the company's business growth. This makes the company optimistic that its revenue performance can double in the next 5 years. Meanwhile, the company's net profit for this year is targeted to increase by 20%. (KR/LM)