After NTT Earthquake, 56 Fuel Stations in Flores Back to 100 Percent Operation
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR, Ahad Rahedi, said that 56 fuel stations, or 100 percent of fuel stations on Flores Island, have returned to serving the public after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shook East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). In addition, 17 subsidised kerosene agents and five LPG agents have also resumed normal operations.
“In terms of services to the public, all of our distribution agencies in the Flores Island region have returned to operation and can serve the community’s energy needs,” Ahad said on Friday (21/8).
According to him, the fulfilment of energy needs for industry and power plants has also not experienced any obstacles because Pertamina has prepared a number of alternative routes. The same has been done to meet aviation fuel needs at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo.
Of the eight Pertamina terminals in NTT, seven terminals are still operating normally. Meanwhile, the Reo Fuel Terminal is the only terminal experiencing problems and is currently in the preparation stage to resume operations after checks and servicing in the field.
To maintain supply, Pertamina is running an alternate supply scheme, including bringing in fuel and aviation fuel from the nearest area in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province. Tanker trucks are being sent from Bima via Sape Port to Labuan Bajo to carry fuel and aviation fuel.
Ahad confirmed that LPG availability in Flores is in sufficient condition. Each agent has stock of between 300 and 1,000 cylinders to meet community needs.
Pertamina, he continued, is still carrying out mitigation against potential distribution disruptions due to aftershocks and activity of Mount Ranaka. Four major terminals in Flores, namely the Reo Fuel Terminal, Rangtangga Fuel Terminal, Ende Fuel Terminal and the terminal in Maumere, are prepared to back each other up if disruptions occur on distribution routes.
“This is an attention point for selecting and sorting distribution route locations. The four major terminals back each other up to mitigate routes that are cut off due to the impact of aftershocks and volcanic eruptions,” he said.