TikTok Sentiment Trends on World Oil Prices February-March 2026

The escalation of the United States-Iran conflict in the Gulf region triggered a surge in global oil prices that threatens Indonesia's economic stability.

This condition has become a widespread topic on social media as the Indonesian public is concerned about the domino effect of rising global energy prices on inflation and the skyrocketing prices of basic necessities in the local market.

The Databoks team analyzed discussions on world oil prices from online media and social media platforms Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Based on a sample of TikTok discussions on world oil prices during February-March 2026, there are 5 main findings related to these discussions, namely:

1. World Oil Price Hikes and Impact on Indonesia's Fuel Prices

   The public is worried about potential fuel price increases in Indonesia due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global oil supplies, while the government ensures that fuel stocks are sufficient for 20 days but the risk of price hikes remains.

2. Criticism of National Energy Management

   The public demands national energy self-sufficiency, criticizes dependence on oil imports, and suggests alternatives such as palm-based biofuels or local technologies like Bobibos.

3. Discontent with Government Priorities

   The public opposes the government's priority of continuing the MBG (Free Nutritious Meals) program amid tight economic conditions, suggesting reallocating MBG funds to more urgent programs such as strengthening energy resilience or addressing inflation.

4. Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts on People's Economy

   The public directly feels the impact of the Iran-Israel-US conflict through rising prices of basic commodities, logistics costs, reduced purchasing power, and fears of mass layoffs and further economic crisis.

5. Public Reaction to Fuel Stocks

   The public engaged in panic buying at gas stations due to rumors that fuel stocks only last 20 days, especially in areas that have previously experienced energy crises, while the government urges the public to remain calm.

From the discussion sample, negative sentiment recorded the highest figure at 61.61% of the total analyzed sentiments.

Positive sentiment discussions accounted for 20.38% and neutral 18.01%.

Negative sentiment reflects discussions criticizing the government's dependence on oil imports and lack of national energy self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, positive sentiment discussions welcomed the government's efforts to maintain stable subsidized fuel prices during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

(Read: 6 Countries That Ship the Most Oil Through the Strait of Hormuz)