Fuel Suddenly Runs Out in Denpasar, Petrol Station Temporarily Closes
Several Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) in Denpasar suddenly ran out of fuel stocks today. In fact, the Pura Demak SPBU temporarily closed its services due to delayed supplies that failed to arrive.
This situation is said not to be due to scarcity, but rather a disruption in fuel distribution caused by obstacles during the loading process at the depot.
“This is just due to a delay in delivery; apparently, there was a jam during loading at the depot,” explained the supervisor of the Teuku Umar SPBU, Putu Artama, when briefly questioned by the detikBali team on Monday (20/4/2026).
Artama explained that the distribution delay directly affects fuel availability at the SPBU, especially since the last supply was received on Saturday. The needs for Sunday and Monday thus rely on previous remaining stocks.
“Currently, we have 24 tonnes of Pertalite and 23 tonnes of diesel left. So stocks are still safe. The system will be the same for tomorrow; if it runs out, we’ll communicate immediately,” added Artama.
Pura Demak SPBU Temporarily Closed
On the other hand, the Pura Demak SPBU experienced stock depletion to the point of being forced to temporarily close services. The local SPBU supervisor, Dimas Baihaqi, stated that the distribution delay was the main cause.
“Usually, distribution runs smoothly; by 8-9 a.m., refuelling is done. But today, because of the jam. The depot is in Manggis, Karangasem there, so it got delayed. About 3 hours. So we had to close first,” explained Baihaqi when interviewed by the detikBali team on Monday.
Baihaqi admitted he could not yet confirm whether the surge in demand was triggered by panic buying.
“We can’t assess if the public is panic buying or not. Because Monday is the start of the workweek, so mornings are definitely busy, or if Sunday is busy, it’s usually Sunday night because they’re afraid they won’t have time to refuel on Monday,” said Baihaqi.
Nevertheless, he stated that fuel stocks at the Pura Demak SPBU have generally been safe and have not experienced significant issues.
The impact of the stock shortage was also felt by the public. Two truck drivers refuelling at the Teuku Umar SPBU admitted they had to go around because several SPBUs were out of fuel.
“I’m here to fill up diesel; everywhere is empty. This is already the third petrol station; earlier at Pura Demak it was empty, in Canggu it was empty,” said Andiyono.
“I don’t know if there’s news of a price hike or not; anyway, I’m just looking for a petrol station that can fill up. Earlier I came from Pura Demak,” said Mariyono.