BPH Migas Oversees Fuel Distribution in Northern Sumatra, SPBU Queues Ease
The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) is continuing to oversee efforts to accelerate the normalisation of fuel distribution by Pertamina Patra Niaga for the Northern Sumatra region. Various intensive measures to strengthen distribution are beginning to show results, with queues at a number of petrol stations, particularly in Medan and surrounding areas, gradually easing and services to the public improving.
To speed up the normalisation of fuel distribution in North Sumatra, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut has increased its tanker fleet capacity and crew by around 35 per cent, optimised supply diversions from the Siantar, Kisaran, and Integrated Lhokseumawe fuel terminals, and maximised the receipt and distribution of supplies through the Medan Group Terminal facility in Labuhan Deli. These steps have pushed fuel distribution to petrol stations to between 120 and 125 per cent of normal levels.
During an inspection at the Medan Group Fuel Terminal, Head of BPH Migas Wahyudi Anas stated that fuel stocks in North Sumatra are currently at safe levels. He noted that supplies have been further reinforced after two ships completed unloading operations for Solar diesel and Pertalite petrol. “With the public’s daily routines, God willing, the queues at petrol stations across North Sumatra can be resolved,” he said on Saturday (18/7/2026). He added that the increase in supply to 120-125 per cent is an acceleration measure to restore normal services at filling stations.
BPH Migas Committee Member Fathul Nugroho explained that the realisation of diesel distribution in Sumatra as of 14 July 2026 remained below the national average, with a similar situation for Pertalite in North Sumatra. He stressed that the issues were not caused by quota limitations. “This realisation is still below the national average, meaning there are no obstacles from the quota side,” he clarified. Fathul argued that evaluation should focus on distribution aspects, including strengthening early warning systems and comprehensive fleet monitoring so that potential disruptions can be anticipated more quickly.
Executive General Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut, Sunardi, said all operations at the Medan Group Fuel Terminal are running smoothly and are being optimised around the clock. From 14 to 16 July 2026, average daily fuel distribution to petrol stations exceeded 6,000 kilolitres. “Hopefully this increase in distribution can boost stocks at petrol stations and help clear the remaining queues,” Sunardi said.
Direct monitoring by Pertamina and BPH Migas at several Medan petrol stations showed that the distribution of Solar and Pertalite is proceeding smoothly, with stock availability maintained through continuous replenishment. Local residents have begun to notice the improvement, with an online motorcycle taxi driver reporting that refuelling is now much smoother, and a truck driver expressing gratitude that fuel supplies in North Sumatra are flowing normally again.