Central Sulawesi provincial government anticipates problems with subsidised fuel distribution
Palu (ANTARA) - The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government is anticipating problems in the distribution of subsidised fuel, particularly diesel, to ensure the smooth running of transport and the distribution of goods in the region.
“We want to ensure that fuel services, especially subsidised fuel, run smoothly and do not become an obstacle for the public or transport operators. This is also part of our efforts to implement the Berani Lancar (Dare to be Smooth) Programme in the transport sector,” said Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid in Palu on Tuesday.
He urged that obstacles in the use of barcodes/QR codes for subsidised diesel services for container transport at public fuel filling stations (SPBU) be addressed concretely and promptly.
According to him, the issue deserves attention because it could hamper transport activities and the distribution of goods if not dealt with immediately.
Follow-up on the matter was discussed in a coordination meeting with a number of agencies and relevant parties, including PT Pertamina, Hiswana Migas Central Sulawesi, the Traffic Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police, and the regional apparatus of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government.
The meeting was a follow-up to a demonstration by the Central Sulawesi Container Transport Workers’ Union (SBTC), as well as a step to anticipate long fuel queues like those seen in several parts of South Sulawesi.
One of the issues discussed in the meeting was the technical problem that arises when a container lorry’s barcode/QR code cannot be scanned once the vehicle is already in front of the pump nozzle.
This situation is considered detrimental to drivers, as the vehicle has queued for a long time but the fuel transaction cannot be completed due to a disruption in the QR code system.
“We must not allow a lorry to queue for a long time, only to discover at the nozzle that its QR code is faulty or cannot be scanned. This is what we must prevent,” said the Governor.
He said the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government would also prepare a letter to the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) requesting discretion or specific policies for fuel station operators when facing technical obstacles in the use of barcodes/QR codes that are beyond the public’s control.
He said this was to ensure that people who genuinely need subsidised fuel, including container lorries carrying out distribution activities, still receive service when technical problems occur in the system.
According to him, such a policy is important so that the digital system continues to function without disregarding the real conditions faced by people on the ground.
He also asked Pertamina and Hiswana Migas to continue raising public awareness so that people buy fuel according to their needs and do not engage in panic buying or excessive purchases.
The provincial government will also strengthen coordination with Hiswana Migas regarding the distribution and sale of fuel, especially subsidised fuel.
The Governor expressed hope that these measures would maintain smooth fuel distribution and ensure that transport activities in Central Sulawesi continue to run.
“We want this issue resolved through coordination, better services, and solutions that do not harm the public. Most importantly, fuel distribution runs smoothly, transport runs smoothly, and people’s economic activities also continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pertamina and Hiswana Migas Central Sulawesi have agreed to provide easier services for container lorries, particularly in the purchase of subsidised fuel using barcodes/QR codes.
Pertamina and Hiswana Migas will also assign special staff to assist with the use of barcodes/QR codes at fuel stations, as well as deploy mobile officers to check container lorries waiting in queue.
The inspection will be carried out in advance, so that if there is a problem with a barcode/QR code, the issue can be identified before the vehicle reaches the nozzle.