BPH Migas: Collaboration Between Various Parties Resolves Fuel Queues in Makassar

The Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), Wahyudi Anas, stated that cooperation between various parties has successfully alleviated long queues of vehicles at petrol stations in Makassar and its surrounding areas, preventing traffic congestion.

“I am grateful to everyone involved, ensuring that the public is well-served when purchasing fuel,” said Wahyudi Anas in Makassar on Monday.

Over the past three days, queues of fuel buyers had surged by more than 50 per cent, causing disruptions to traffic flow. However, based on monitoring on Monday morning, queues at petrol stations on Jalan AP Pettarani, Makassar, had returned to normal, with only a dozen vehicles queuing, allowing station staff to serve consumers smoothly.

He noted that the parties involved in resolving the queues included PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, the Directorate General of Oil and Gas, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, the Makassar City Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and other stakeholders.

In response to the situation, the local government has issued regulations to ensure fuel purchases align with odd-even vehicle registration numbers. Additionally, heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses are required to queue for fuel at night to avoid disrupting daytime traffic.

Wahyudi acknowledged that the surge in queues was caused by increased demand and public anxiety regarding potential fuel shortages. “The government is certainly not remaining idle in facing this situation and is ensuring that fuel stocks remain secure for the public,” he said.

Furthermore, Pertamina has increased fuel supplies and extended the operating hours of petrol stations to serve the public, resulting in the normalisation of queues. “Therefore, please purchase fuel reasonably and do not fear running out. Stocks are safe and controlled,” he added.

Over the last two days, BPH Migas and Pertamina have also directly monitored several petrol stations in Makassar to ensure that the public receives their fuel allocations appropriately.

The Governor of South Sulawesi, Andi Amran Sulaiman, urged the public to remain calm and not to be easily swayed by rumours of fuel shortages. “The government ensures that fuel stocks are safe and controlled, so there is no need for concern,” he stated.