Indonesian March gasoline imports seen flat

SINGAPORE: Indonesia may keep its 88-octane grade gasoline imports at around 9.4 million barrels for March delivery, similar to February but about 9.6 percent lower than its January import volumes, traders said on Monday.

But the flat import volumes could be temporary as Asia's top gasoline importer continues to grapple with a fast growing fleet of vehicles.

Sales of vehicles in Indonesia soared 25 percent in 2012 from a year earlier.

Given the lack of new refining capacities in the country this year, its gasoline imports are expected to grow.

Recent floods in Indonesia and high gasoline prices could have dented some of the import demand, said one of the traders.

"But come April or May, it may need to buy more," he added.