TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pertamina's Logistics and Infrastructure Director Mulyono estimated that the firm lost 400,000 barrels of oil production as the operation at the Balongan oil refinery was halted following the massive blaze early this morning.

"Hopefully, it will return to normal in the next four to five days. We lose about 400,000 barrels of oil production," said Mulyono in a video conference on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Pertamina shut down the refinery to prevent the flame from spreading to other oil tanks. However, Mulyono ensured that the production facilities at the refinery were not affected by the fire.

"As for the production, the refinery can start operating again once the fire is handled. There is no problem with the refinery,” he added.

Due to the loss of production, he said that the Cilacap refinery and the TPPI refinery would meet the fuel demand of other refineries as they can boost the production to 300,000 barrels and 500,000 barrels respectively.

Mulyono underlined that the current national fuel stock is sufficient. "We ask the public not to panic because the stock is overflowing," Mulyono remarked, outlining that there are 10.5 million barrels of gasoline that are sufficient for the next 27 to 28 days, 8.8 million barrels of diesel fuel for the next 20 days, and 3.2 million barrels of jet fuel for the next 74 days.

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CAESAR AKBAR