Stop Gas Exports 2026: ASAKI Welcomes Plan to Restore Ceramic Gas Supply
The plan to stop gas exports, announced by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on 22 October 2026, has been welcomed by the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (ASAKI) as a long-awaited policy. The government will review gas export contracts and may not renew them if domestic needs are not met. For the building-materials market this matters, because gas supply determines local ceramic and porcelain tile output.
What did Bahlil say?
According to CNBC Indonesia, Bahlil, who is also Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, spoke at the ceremony marking first gas from the Jangkrik North East (JNE) #6 well and higher output at the Maha field in East Kalimantan. He said the government will evaluate export contracts with uncooperative countries and may not export to, or renew contracts with, neighbouring countries if domestic needs are not covered. He described the energy situation as "survival mode" and stressed domestic priority in line with President Prabowo's direction.
ASAKI's response to the plan to stop gas exports
ASAKI chairman Edy Suyanto, quoted by Bisnis.com, called the plan "a policy we have long awaited and hoped for as an HGBT recipient industry". Secure gas at competitive prices matters because ceramic production relies on high-temperature firing. He said the industry is ready to resume expansion, with multiplier effects on construction, property, transport and raw materials. "Give us gas, and we will create a multiplier effect and support national economic growth," he said.
Bisnis.com noted that the plan rests on Energy Ministerial Regulation No. 6/2016 on gas allocation, use and pricing, but implementation must still respect legal provisions, existing gas sales contracts and supply availability. ASAKI hopes the plan quickly becomes concrete policy.
Current gas supply for the ceramic industry
- The average gas price in October was about US$11/MMBtu, whereas the HGBT scheme (Ministerial Decree 281.K/2026) was expected to deliver US$8–8.5/MMBtu; Warta Ekonomi put the gap at about 29–37.5%.
- HGBT gas allocation is said to cover only about 73% of needs.
- Plant utilisation averaged 75% in January–August 2026 (73% in 2025), fell below 70% in October and could be around 60% in November–December.
- CNBC reported about 1,400 workers affected: 500 laid off in July and about 900 sent home.
Capacity and expansion plans
Installed national ceramic capacity in 2026 is about 686 million m². Indonesia has risen from the world's 7th to 5th largest producer and could overtake Vietnam. ASAKI lists planned expansion of about 110 million m², with investment of about IDR 12 trillion and 7,000–7,500 jobs.
Analyst caution: infrastructure must be ready
Oil and gas practitioner Hadi Ismoyo, quoted by Bisnis.com, warned that halting exports is useless if domestic offtakers are not ready. Regasification terminals, FSRUs, transmission pipelines or virtual pipelines are needed, and EPCI construction can take about three years. The effect on factory supply is therefore likely to be gradual rather than immediate.
What does it mean for tile buyers?
While plant utilisation stays low, supply of some tile designs and sizes may be limited. Contractors should order early for year-end projects, secure stock from a single colour batch, and prepare alternative brands or sizes.
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FAQ
Have gas exports officially been stopped? Not yet. As of 22 October 2026, the government has only said it will review export contracts and may not renew them.
What gas price does the ceramic industry pay? About US$11/MMBtu on average in October 2026, above the expected HGBT level of US$8–8.5/MMBtu.
When will the impact be felt? Analysts say infrastructure such as FSRUs and pipelines must be ready first, which can take about three years to build.
Stop gas exports: related articles and products
Related articles:
- Ceramic prices and US$11 industrial gas
- 60x60 floor tile and granite prices 2026
- 80x80 granite tile prices 2026 per box
Products: browse the homeX building-materials catalogue.
Sources: Bisnis.com — Industri Keramik Sambut Rencana Bahlil Stop Ekspor Gas: Sudah Lama Kami Tunggu (23 Okt 2026); CNBC Indonesia — Bahlil Tegas Mau Setop Ekspor Gas ke Negara Tetangga, Ini Alasannya (22 Okt 2026); Bisnis.com — RI Berencana Setop Ekspor Gas, Pengamat Ingatkan Kesiapan Offtaker (22 Okt 2026); CNBC Indonesia — Pengusaha Keramik RI Ngadu ke Menperin soal Gas (21 Okt 2026); CNBC Indonesia — 900 Buruh Keramik Terancam PHK, Bos Pengusaha Ungkap Penyebabnya (16 Okt 2026); Warta Ekonomi — Harga Gas Keramik Tembus US$11, Beban Industri Makin Berat (22 Okt 2026).