Indonesia Warns It May Cut Gas Exports as Singapore's Energy Supply Hangs in the Balance

Indonesia may cut natural gas supplies to Singapore and other nations as Jakarta moves to prioritize its own domestic energy needs, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said. The country's Upstream Oil and Gas Special Task Force (SKK Migas) confirmed a reduction in gas exports to Singapore but did not specify the volume or the reasons behind the decision [270232]. Singapore relies heavily on imported natural gas for power generation, and any reduction in supply could affect its energy sector [270232]. Lahadalia said last week that Jakarta will put its own domestic energy needs first and warned that Indonesia could cut off supplies to nations that do not respect its interests, signaling a tougher stance on energy exports as demand grows at home [271597].

In a separate blow to regional trade, attacks on ships in the Black Sea have forced Ukraine to reduce wheat exports to Indonesia and Bangladesh, two of its largest buyers [271527]. Shipping companies are avoiding the region after a series of strikes on vessels and port facilities, and insurers have raised premiums, making exports more expensive and risky [271527]. As a result, shipments to Asia have slowed sharply, threatening food supplies in both countries, which rely heavily on Ukrainian grain [271527]. Ukraine is a major global wheat supplier, and reduced exports could push up prices and worsen food security in import-dependent nations [271527].

The disruption follows a drone strike that sank a cargo ship off Romania's coast, killing one Ukrainian sailor. The vessel, named Khoryv, capsized about 13 nautical miles offshore; rescuers saved nine crew members, while three others remain missing [269783]. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis blamed Russia for the attack, which is part of a growing wave of strikes threatening Black Sea shipping and Ukraine's export routes [269783].