After M6.7 Earthquake: Mass Panic Triggers Snaking Queues at All Petrol Stations in Palu

Extraordinary panic gripped residents of Palu moments after a tectonic earthquake measuring Magnitude 6.7 shook the Central Sulawesi region on Tuesday (16/6). Fear of past trauma prompted thousands of residents to take early precautionary measures. One of the most striking scenes after the quake was the snaking queues that formed at nearly every public petrol station (SPBU) in the provincial capital. Within hours of the tremor, which occurred at 11.27 WITA, queues of motorcycles, private cars, and logistics trucks clogged the roads around petrol stations. Hundreds of residents stood for hours under the scorching sun to ensure their vehicle tanks were filled. The residents’ fear was well-founded. They worried that if a larger aftershock occurred, the electricity supply would fail and fuel distribution to Palu would be completely cut off. At the SPBU on Jalan Pue Bongo, West Palu, the vehicle queue spilled onto the main road, triggering traffic congestion. Hamka Rauf, 42, a resident queuing with his motorcycle, admitted he did not want to gamble with the emergency situation. “I’m buying fuel so that if there’s a bigger aftershock later, we’re prepared. It’s better to anticipate. If the vehicle has a full tank of petrol, we feel safer and calmer if we have to use it to evacuate with the family at any time,” he said. A similar situation was seen at the SPBU on Jalan Imam Bonjol. Amid the cacophony of car horns, Siti Rahma, 35, a housewife from Palu Bara, appeared patient as she queued carrying two small jerry cans. For Siti, the afternoon quake revived dark memories that left her traumatised. “During the big earthquake in 2018, we struggled desperately to find petrol for evacuation because all the petrol stations were closed. So now, while there’s still a chance, I’m filling up,” she added. By late afternoon, long vehicle queues were still reported in various corners of Palu. According to information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), dozens of aftershocks were still occurring, further fuelling the public’s psychological need to remain vigilant. Although the public panic was unstoppable, local authorities and police deployed personnel to several petrol station points to manage traffic and maintain order in the queues to prevent friction between motorists. The public was urged to remain calm, avoid excessive panic buying, and not be easily swayed by hoaxes regarding fuel shortages, as Pertamina has confirmed that fuel supplies and stocks for the Palu area and its surroundings are currently safe and sufficient.