Fuel Queues in Aceh to Be Resolved Soon to Prevent Economic Disruption

Long queues of vehicles at several petrol stations in Aceh Province persisted over the past five days due to panic buying by the public. The situation is seen as potentially disrupting economic activity if not addressed promptly.

Economist Amri from Syiah Kuala University said the public’s panic was triggered by fears of a fuel shortage linked to the geopolitical conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The issue has driven residents in Aceh to flock to petrol stations to fill up.

He said that panic buying is a quite human reaction given that Aceh residents still carry trauma from shortages of basic goods after the major floods that struck the area on 24-27 November 2025.

‘People sometimes have trouble complying with admonitions because there is often no certainty from the information conveyed to them, especially after the post-flood experience full of uncertainty,’ he said.

Amri assessed that the fuel queues should not last long because they could affect economic activity, especially as people are meeting needs during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr in the 1447 Hijri year.

‘Fuel is a primary necessity that supports various economic activities, from small businesses and public transport to corporate activities,’ he said.

‘If the energy inputs are problematic, then the activities of people, small businesses, public transport, and various sectors of the economy will be hampered,’ the economics lecturer added.

He urged the government to promptly ensure a stable fuel supply and smooth distribution so that public panic does not spread further.

‘Let the queues not widen into broader economic problems ahead of Lebaran. The panic in Aceh is understandable given past experiences, such as after floods that caused trauma,’ he said.

Amri also urged the government to ensure all those queuing can obtain fuel so that public confidence in energy availability remains intact.

‘Throw everyone into the queue so that they believe that fuel is actually available and distribution is smooth. However, oversight must be tightened to prevent opportunists from hoarding,’ he asserted.

Triggered by the minister’s statement

Previously, public panic was triggered by statements from Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who said national fuel stocks would last only about 20 days. The information sparked concern in several regions, including Aceh.

Panic buying in Aceh began in central districts, such as Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah. The panic then spread to the Malacca Strait coastal areas, including Pidie, Aceh Utara, Bireuen, Aceh Timur, and Banda Aceh.

Observations in Pidie Regency on Saturday, 7 March, showed long queues of two- and four-wheeled vehicles at several petrol stations. At the Pulo Pisang petrol station in Pidie, queues had been visible since 06:00 local time after the dawn prayer.

Around 30 minutes later, the queues had stretched to the edge of the Banda Aceh–Medan national road.

Meanwhile, several Pertashop outlets in the area appeared not to be operating by midday. Some were in Paloh, Ulee Birah, Keubang, and Lampoih Saka. At one location there was a notice stating that Pertamax supply was still in transit.