JAKARTA – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is set to optimise the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for domestic consumption. On the other hand, natural gas exports grew by 1.53% throughout 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that the government will prioritise LNG for domestic needs, particularly in downstream sectors.

“To ensure domestic energy consumption does not face a deficit, I request that all gas concessions in Indonesia prioritise domestic demand in their planning,” he said during the inauguration of the Jatigede Hydroelectric Power Plant in Sumedang, West Java, last week.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), natural gas exports were recorded at USD 8.90 billion throughout January–December 2024, up 1.53% from USD 8.77 billion during the same period in 2023. In December 2024, natural gas exports increased by 11.19% to USD 839.9 million from USD 755.4 million in December 2023.

Meanwhile, oil and gas (migas) exports totalled USD 15.87 billion from January to December 2024, down 0.28% from USD 15.92 billion in the same period in 2023. Oil and gas imports, on the other hand, were recorded at USD 36.27 billion, up 1.2% from USD 35.83 billion.

For comparison, in December 2024 alone, oil and gas exports reached USD 1.53 billion, an increase of 4.05% from USD 1.47 billion in December 2023. Oil and gas imports in December were USD 3.29 billion, down 2.25% from USD 3.37 billion. (LK/ZH)