Bima Residents Rush to Petrol Stations Despite No Fuel Price Hike
Residents of Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), continued to flock to Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) despite the government deciding against adjusting or increasing fuel prices. This situation led to long queues of vehicles.
Residents queued to purchase fuel, as observed at the Taman Ria SPBU in Bima City on Tuesday night (31/3/2026). Most residents said they came to buy fuel due to fears of a price rise.
“Fill up fully first,” said Daulain (35), a motorcyclist, to detikBali.
Kaharuddin expressed the same sentiment. He chose to buy Pertalite on Tuesday night because there were rumours that the government would raise its price starting 1 April 2026.
“I heard the news that the price (of fuel) would rise, so I’m filling up fully tonight,” he said.
He admitted that not only the Taman Ria SPBU was swarmed by residents buying fuel, but almost all SPBUs in Bima City experienced the same, such as at Penatoi and Amahami SPBUs.
“This afternoon I saw a long queue at the Penatoi SPBU. Tonight, including at the Amahami SPBU,” he said.
Quoted from detikNews, the government addressed the rumour of a planned fuel price increase. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi dismissed the rumour.
Prasetyo said the government, along with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Pertamina, had discussed the matter following the issue. The decision was made under the direct guidance of President Prabowo Subianto.
“So, we need to convey that after coordination, in this case the government and the Ministry of ESDM together with Pertamina and on the instructions of Mr President, Mr President always prioritises the interests of the people and society in making decisions,” Prasetyo told reporters on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
“Therefore, Pertamina states that Pertamina will not adjust prices for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuel,” he continued.
Prasetyo urged the public not to be influenced by unverified rumours. He guaranteed the government’s commitment to maintaining price stability to protect people’s purchasing power.
“We hope that with this statement, the public can get clearer, more accurate information, and we hope the public does not need to panic,” he said.
He stated that fuel availability was also secure. He asked the public not to worry.
“No need to be anxious because we guarantee the availability of fuel. We guarantee it. And there will be no price adjustment,” he said.
“That is what we can convey. Once again, happy activities to all Indonesian people,” Prasetyo concluded.