BPKN Urges Public Not to Panic-Buy Fuel
The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has urged the public not to engage in ‘panic buying’ of fuel due to concerns about potential energy supply disruptions arising from the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. ‘BPKN urges the public not to panic. Fuel customers should remain calm, be wary of global developments, but not purchase excessively,’ said BPKN Chair Mufti Mubarok in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, 7 March 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Panic-buying of fuel has occurred in several areas such as Jember, Medan, and Aceh. The public was reported to have flocked to buy fuel after rumours about potential energy supply disruptions due to the global conflict.
According to Mufti, panic can trigger artificial shortages in the field because distribution becomes unbalanced due to excessive purchases.
Mufti emphasised that Indonesia has many energy sources that can be utilised so that the public does not need to worry excessively. ‘We have many energy sources. What needs to be done now is to increase energy-use efficiency, including efficiency in transport usage,’ he said.
He also stressed that in any circumstance, the state must be present to guarantee energy availability for the public. ‘The state must remain present ensuring fuel supply for the public by any means, because energy is a strategic need that underpins economic activity and mobility,’ he said.
In addition, BPKN reminded public transport operators to prepare for a potential increase in passengers if the public begins to shift from private vehicles to public transport. ‘Public transport operators must be ready if there is a surge in users. There is a possibility of a shift from private transport to public transport as a form of energy efficiency,’ Mufti said.
On the other hand, BPKN also asked Pertamina (Persero) to ensure that fuel distribution remains smooth across all regions, especially ahead of the Lebaran travel period. ‘Pertamina must immediately ensure adequate fuel stock on the travel routes so that the public does not worry and there are no long queues at petrol stations,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has stressed that national energy stocks are still safe and the government continues to monitor global developments that could affect energy supply.
Energy analyst Fahmy Radhi of Gadjah Mada University also said that panic buying could disrupt fuel distribution on the ground. ‘If the public buys excessively, distribution that is actually sufficient could become disrupted,’ he said.
Therefore, many parties hope the public stays calm and uses energy wisely to maintain national fuel-supply stability.