Fuel Price Hike Issue: West Sumatra Governor Asks Residents Not to Panic
Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, has urged the public to stay calm and not panic in responding to the issue of adjusting the price of subsidised Fuel Oil (BBM). This appeal comes following the phenomenon of vehicle queues at several Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) in the West Sumatra region.
Mahyeldi emphasised that to date, the West Sumatra Provincial Government has not received official information regarding plans for the fuel price increase. He assessed that the queues occurring in the field were more triggered by public concerns (panic buying) over unverified information.
“We urge the public to remain calm and not make excessive purchases. The government continues to ensure that fuel distribution is in a safe condition,” said Mahyeldi in Padang on Monday (1/4).
The Governor explained that his side continues to conduct intensive monitoring in the field and maintain close coordination with Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut. This step is taken to guarantee smooth distribution and ensure there is no shortage of supply amid the public.
According to him, the availability of fuel stock is actually sufficient for daily needs. However, purchasing patterns that exceed normal needs due to panic could potentially disrupt the distribution rhythm.
“If the public buys according to their needs, then distribution will remain normal and there will be no long queues,” he added.
The adjustment of fuel prices is the full authority of the Central Government, decided based on macroeconomic considerations and the availability of state subsidy budgets.
Furthermore, Mahyeldi reminded that every strategic policy such as fuel price adjustment will certainly be announced officially by the central government. Therefore, he asked West Sumatra residents to be wiser in receiving information circulating on social media or chain messages.
“A calm and wise attitude is very important to avoid creating new problems that actually worsen the situation. We in the West Sumatra Provincial Government will continue to intensify coordination with relevant parties to maintain energy supply stability in the area,” Mahyeldi stressed.
With guarantees of safe stock from Pertamina, the public is expected to return to filling fuel normally to ease the congestion at SPBUs that occurred in recent days.