Fuel Shortage in Northern and Eastern Aceh as Multiple Petrol Stations Close Due to Stock Depletion
Long queues for fuel purchases at numerous locations across Aceh Province have begun to subside after persisting for the past six days. However, as congestion at petrol stations eases in central areas, multiple fuel stations in the northern and eastern coastal regions are experiencing stock depletion.
Monitoring across several districts revealed that queues previously observed in Banda Aceh City, Aceh Besar District, and Pidie District have returned to normal levels. Similar conditions have been reported in Central Aceh and Bener Meriah districts, which had previously experienced significant panic buying.
Police personnel have conducted oversight at numerous petrol stations in the Gayo Land region to ensure orderly fuel distribution and prevent excessive purchasing.
However, a new problem has emerged in the northern and eastern coastal regions bordering the Strait of Malacca. Multiple petrol stations in Pidie Jaya District, Bireuen, North Aceh, East Aceh, and Aceh Tamiang districts have reportedly ceased operations due to fuel stock exhaustion.
The shortage affects not only subsidised fuels such as Pertalite and diesel but also non-subsidised varieties including Pertamax and biodiesel. This situation is feared to spark renewed public alarm.
Based on monitoring along the Banda Aceh–Medan national route from Saturday to Sunday (8 March), several closed petrol stations due to depleted stocks include the Kuta Lawah station in Idi Rayeuk District, East Aceh; the Ceumpedak station in Tanah Jambo Aye District, North Aceh; and the Keude Pante Breueh Breueh station in Baktiya District, North Aceh.
Musafir, a Banda Aceh resident who recently returned from Aceh Tamiang, reported difficulty obtaining fuel throughout his journey to the provincial capital.
“My journey from Aceh Tamiang to Banda Aceh was very difficult in obtaining fuel. Many petrol stations were closed and only displayed notices stating that Pertalite or Pertamax were undergoing delivery,” he stated.
The precise cause of fuel depletion at numerous petrol stations remains unclear—whether due to delayed supplies from Pertamina depots or other factors. However, this situation is considered likely to affect public confidence in government statements that previously asserted fuel stocks were secure.
University of Batam rector Professor Dr. Samsul Rizal expressed regret over the fuel shortage amidst escalating public concern. According to him, this situation has emerged alongside circulating rumours regarding limitations in national fuel stocks.
“To build public confidence that fuel stocks are adequate, availability at petrol stations must always be maintained. If the public sees empty petrol stations, such confidence becomes difficult to establish,” Samsul Rizal said on Sunday (8 March).
He explained that panic buying can worsen fuel distribution conditions, particularly if the public purchases in large quantities or even hoards fuel for resale during shortages.
“Even though petrol stations operate 24 hours, if panic buying does not subside, their supplies certainly will not be sufficient. It becomes worse still if some purchase using drums and then stockpile them for resale when fuel becomes scarce,” he stated.
Samsul Rizal recommended that Pertamina increase fuel supply quotas to petrol stations in Aceh, particularly ahead of Eid celebrations in 1447 Hijriah when fuel consumption increases significantly.
According to him, increased public mobility and economic activity in the lead-up to the festive season typically cause fuel demand to spike sharply.
“Perhaps there has already been a twofold surge in purchasing. First, due to panic stemming from rumours of limited national stocks, then the public purchasing more than usual in preparation for the festive season in two weeks’ time,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of monitoring fuel distribution to prevent hoarding by certain parties that could exacerbate shortages amongst the general public.