Fuel Shortage in Labuan Bajo, Drivers Overnight at Petrol Stations

A shortage of fuel oil (BBM) has occurred in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over the past few days. Several petrol stations have been reported to have run out of BBM stock. Residents even have to wait up to two days to obtain fuel.

Long queues of vehicles were visible at several petrol stations in Labuan Bajo. At the Pasar Baru Labuan Bajo petrol station, the vehicle queue stretched up to one kilometre.

Several drivers were forced to overnight at the petrol station in order to wait for BBM availability. This situation has been directly experienced by drivers of public transport and private vehicles.

“Long and lengthy queues. No stock available. Two days ago, we experienced a severe shortage,” said Ignas Suradin, owner of a tourist transport service in Labuan Bajo, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

Ignas said his vehicle had to wait up to two days to get BBM. “Yes, waiting two days,” he stated.

Driver named Petrus also admitted to difficulties in obtaining BBM. He even had to spend the night in his vehicle while queuing at the petrol station.

“If there’s diesel, we queue for 3-4 hours. If not, sometimes we leave the vehicle at the petrol station to wait for diesel to arrive. We overnight in the vehicle at the petrol station,” he explained.

The BBM shortage has also been felt outside petrol stations. On the roads of Labuan Bajo, informal BBM is hard to find.

Several motorbike riders have complained about the situation. They are struggling to obtain Pertalite for their daily activities.

“Finding informal sellers is also difficult. Meanwhile, we can’t travel far because it’s hard to get Pertalite. The usual roadside sellers are also out of stock,” said Berto, one of the motorbike riders.