Circular from Regional Heads in West Kalimantan Sparks Queues at Petrol Stations, Tito's Response

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has spoken out regarding the queues at several petrol stations in West Kalimantan. This stemmed from a circular issued by two regional heads to limit fuel purchases in Singkawang and Bengkayang. Tito stated that the Mayor of Singkawang and the Regent of Bengkayang observed long queues at petrol stations some time ago. They then issued a circular limiting fuel purchases to a certain amount to reduce those queues. However, in the field, according to Tito, the public interpreted this to mean that fuel stocks in West Kalimantan were insufficient, leading to panic buying. “Panic buying due to the circular that restricted purchases. Whereas the original intention was to reduce the queues, so that the lines would be short, right. So people could quickly get, say, 30 litres, I think,” Tito said at the Bina Graha Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026). The Ministry of Home Affairs noticed the panic buying and immediately coordinated with local governments to revoke the circular limiting fuel purchases. Additionally, the Ministry provided outreach to the public that there were no issues with fuel stocks in West Kalimantan. “That fuel stocks, gas, everything is safe and sufficient. No need to worry. That’s what was conveyed to the public. After it was conveyed to the public and revoked, that it’s safe, stocks are sufficient, things returned to normal,” Tito said. Separately, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has also stated that national fuel stocks are in a very safe condition. The public is urged to remain calm and not panic when purchasing fuel, i.e., avoid panic buying. Moreover, fuel distribution in West Kalimantan continues to be increased, so the queues have gradually normalised. Several petrol stations in Pontianak City are also operating 24 hours to reduce queues. Based on monitoring as of 22 March 2026, vehicle queue conditions have gradually improved. Sales Area Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga West Kalimantan, Widhi Tri Adhi Hidayat, stated that fuel distribution in the West Kalimantan region as of 23 March 2026 is generally running safely and smoothly. Areas that previously experienced long queues due to a surge in demand and panic buying are now gradually normalising. “Queue conditions at various petrol stations in Pontianak City and Kubu Raya Regency are normal, while in Mempawah Regency, Singkawang Regency, and Bengkayang Regency they are moderate, and Sambas Regency and Landak Regency are still being addressed to reduce queues that remain relatively dense,” Widhi said. He explained that during the task force period from 9-22 March, fuel distribution in West Kalimantan averaged 2,749 KL per day for Pertalite and Pertamax Series petrol (up 19.8% from normal, with a peak increase of 54% on 20 March) and 1,420 KL per day for diesel (down 3.7% from normal, with the highest increase of 20% on 18 March). “PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan Region ensures smooth supply to petrol stations with additional tanker trucks and 24-hour operations at the Pontianak depot,” he said.