Government strengthens fuel distribution support after Flores disaster
The government is providing relaxation (easing of fuel purchases) during disaster handling and it is well recorded. Volumes are well prepared and these conditions will be given relaxation.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is strengthening support for the distribution of fuel oil (BBM) to support the handling and acceleration of post-earthquake recovery in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) Wahyudi Anas said in his statement in Jakarta on Thursday that the support includes meeting the fuel needs of the community as well as the operation of heavy equipment, generators, ambulances and public service vehicles.
According to him, fuel needs during the disaster response period need to be managed in a measured manner through coordination with the NTT Provincial Government.
The coordination includes data collection on fuel needs and volumes required to support various disaster handling activities.
With clear data, fuel distribution support can be prepared according to needs in the field.
“The government is providing relaxation (easing of fuel purchases) during disaster handling and it is well recorded. Volumes are well prepared and these conditions will be given relaxation,” said Wahyudi during a visit to the Reo Fuel Terminal (FT), Manggarai, NTT, on Thursday.
While monitoring at FT Reo, Wahyudi and the BPH Migas team also directly experienced a number of aftershocks with a magnitude of M>5.
Wahyudi revealed that the easing of fuel purchases is prepared to provide room for meeting fuel needs during disaster handling, so that recovery activities can proceed without obstacles.
“So that disaster handling does not stagnate and everything can run normally,” he said.
From the terminal, tanker trucks serve 28 fuel distributors and 10 kerosene agents, with the farthest distribution range around 12 hours of travel.
In emergency conditions, supply is strengthened through the regular alternative emergency (RAE) scheme, with support from FT Ende and main supply from Maumere and Labuan Bajo.
“Inter-facility support is carried out to maintain smooth supply to the community,” said Wahyudi.
Fuel stocks at FT Reo are also maintained, with Pertalite stock for 3-4 days, Biosolar for 6.6 days and Pertamax for 39 days.
Fuel supplies are also continuously updated, so that stock is always available. Meanwhile, kerosene stock is at 6.8 days and is maintained up to 15 days to anticipate community needs.
Wahyudi appreciated the efforts of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga and PT Elnusa Petrofin in maintaining smooth fuel services amid post-disaster conditions.
According to him, continuity of energy supply is an important part of supporting community activities and economic recovery in affected areas.
During discussions with tanker truck crews, Wahyudi advised them to always pay attention to occupational safety and health, given the potential for landslides at several points along the route.
“Hopefully what has been well endeavoured by Pertamina Patra Niaga and Elnusa Petrofin, best effort so that fuel services to the community are not disrupted for economic activities,” hoped Wahyudi.
Group Head Operation of Pertamina Patra Niaga for East Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Region Bimo Sagus Ariyanto explained that officers continue to work while paying attention to the potential for aftershocks.
A tanker truck crew member, Sesarius Nampung (30), said that fuel distribution to Labuan Bajo continues to be carried out.
Under normal conditions, the journey from FT Reo to Labuan Bajo takes around eight hours.
“After the disaster, the travel time required has slightly increased, (to) 10-12 hours,” he said.
Visit to kerosene depot
After reviewing FT Reo, Wahyudi Anas visited a kerosene depot in Baru Village, Reok District, Manggarai Regency, NTT.
Wahyudi asked that the community’s kerosene needs continue to be attended to, including anticipating disaster-affected residents from other areas seeking supply at the depot.
“Kerosene needs will be met as anticipation for disaster-affected residents from outside Reok District who need kerosene (who buy at this depot),” he explained.
One kerosene buyer, Cosmas Hardin (27), said he usually buys around five litres to meet his needs for three days for lighting and cooking.