Gasoline shortages continue in Papua

JAYAPURA, Papua: Acute gasoline shortages continued for the third straight day on Wednesday, with long queues of vehicles reported at the six gas stations across the Papuan capital of Jayapura.

Cars and motorcycles began lining up at the gas stations at around 6 a.m., but premium gasoline ran out by 10:30 a.m., so many drivers were unable to get fuel.

The gasoline crisis has resulted in the streets in Jayapura becoming largely deserted, causing great difficulty for many commuters and students. Many have been forced to walk several kilometers to work or schools.

State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina has reduced gasoline supplies due to a lack of stock, but said a tanker carrying some 3,600 tons of premium gasoline would arrive in early October. --JP