Bahlil states shift in consumption and fuel hoarding causing queues

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that the shift in consumption from non-subsidised fuel to subsidised fuel, alongside the hoarding of subsidised fuel, is causing long queues for fuel purchases in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“What is happening now is that some are shifting; those who previously did not use subsidies are now switching to subsidised fuel,” B/ahlil said during the Innovation Technology for Social and Environmental Awards (InTechSEA) event held in Jakarta on Monday.

Furthermore, Bahlil highlighted findings by the police regarding vehicles with modified fuel tanks used to hoard subsidised fuel. He revealed that tanks in cars and trucks have been modified to be larger, capable of carrying up to one tonne of fuel.

Consequently, Bahlil stated that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is working alongside the South Sulawesi regional government and the police to resolve the queues occurring in Makassar.

“Alhamdulillah, the queues have now begun to ease. We will undertake necessary measures to ensure that subsidies are accurately targeted,” said Bahlil.

Over the past three days, queues of vehicles purchasing fuel have surged by more than 50 per cent, disrupting traffic flow. In response, local authorities have issued regulations requiring fuel purchases to follow an odd-even licence plate system. Additionally, large vehicles such as trucks and buses are required to queue for fuel at night to avoid disrupting traffic.

Furthermore, Pertamina has increased fuel supplies and extended the operating hours of petrol stations to serve the public, resulting in the return of vehicle queues to normal levels.