Andre Rosiade Inspects Subsidised Diesel in West Sumatra, Asserts Scarcity Not Due to Quota Shortage
Andre Rosiade’s visit, accompanied by the Sales Area Manager (SAM) for Retail West Sumatra of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Fakhri Rizal Hasibuan, took place on Friday (5/6/2026). They monitored petrol station activities across West Sumatra via an integrated CCTV system.
While reviewing data on subsidised diesel distribution, vehicle queues, and fuel consumption patterns in various regions, Andre noted that according to Pertamina’s briefing, the scarcity of diesel currently occurring in West Sumatra is not caused by a lack of quota provided by the central government.
“If we look at the last five years, the fuel quota for West Sumatra has never been insufficient. In fact, it increases every year. Last year we received a 15 per cent quota increase, and this year sales have already exceeded the quota by more than 5 per cent, yet scarcity still occurs. Therefore, the problem is not the quota,” Andre stated in a written statement on Friday (5/6/2026).
Pertamina data shows that during the period of 16–23 May 2026, the distribution of Biosolar JBT reached 14,264 kilolitres, averaging 1,788 kilolitres per day. This figure is equivalent to 118 per cent of the daily quota, representing an over-quota usage of 18 per cent.
Meanwhile, during the period from 27 May to 2 June 2026, total distribution reached 11,640 kilolitres, with an average of 1,669 kilolitres per day, or approximately 110.2 per cent of the daily quota.
Fakhri Rizal explained that these conditions indicate that the distribution of subsidised diesel in West Sumatra is actually being continuously increased by Pertamina. He noted that as of early June, the consumption of subsidised diesel in West Sumatra had already exceeded the allocated quota.
“As of 2 June, diesel usage was over by approximately 19 per cent year-to-date. The largest overages are in Padang and Padang Panjang. Meanwhile, Pertalite remains relatively stable and there are no issues,” said Fakhri.
Andre believes these facts strengthen the suspicion that the primary issue lies in the misuse of subsidised diesel. He noted that patterns over the years show that whenever illegal gold mining (PETI) activities increase, diesel becomes scarce for the general public.
Conversely, when authorities conduct raids and enforcement against illegal mines, diesel availability returns to normal.
“This is no longer a suspicion, but a recurring fact. Whenever illegal mining flourishes, diesel becomes scarce. Once there are operations and enforcement against illegal mining, diesel becomes easily accessible to the public again. The pattern is always the same,” said the Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Minang Family Association (IKM).
During the discussion, Fakhri revealed that following a joint operation with local government and law enforcement in May, daily diesel consumption dropped significantly from approximately 1,800 kilolitres per day to only about 1,100 to 1,200 kilolitres per day.
“Indeed, after the enforcement, it dropped immediately. This is evident from the consumption data we possess,” said Fakhri.
Andre urged Pertamina not to rely solely on coordination meetings but to strengthen field supervision of vehicles suspected of illegally transporting subsidised fuel. He supports Pertamina, in collaboration with local governments and law enforcement, in resolving the issue of subsidised diesel scarcity.
“My goal is simple. Those entitled to subsidised fuel must receive it. We must ensure that those who benefit are not the parties misusing it and harming the people of West Sumatra,” he added.