Homeward Rush: Residents Urged Not to Panic Buy Fuel, Stocks Secure!
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has assured that energy supplies, particularly petroleum fuels (BBM), remain stable across Indonesia during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H holiday period.
As of 22 March 2026, national BBM stock resilience is in a very adequate condition, both for subsidised and non-subsidised fuels. Distribution from Pertamina’s BBM terminals to various petrol stations (SPBU) is proceeding smoothly without issues, ensuring the public is well-served.
BPH Migas Committee Member Fathul Nugroho emphasised that the public need not worry as BBM stocks are guaranteed to be secure.
“The government, in line with directives from Mr Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, guarantees the availability of BBM stocks and distribution, particularly by Pertamina Patra Niaga, which continues to maintain its resilience. Quality monitoring is routinely conducted, with results meeting government standards, so we hope the public feels safe and comfortable. BPH Migas also appreciates the performance of all Pertamina officers on 24-hour standby to secure BBM stocks and distribution,” he stated, quoted from an official release on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
Ahead of the homeward rush, BPH Migas reiterated that national BBM stocks are in a very secure condition. The public is urged to remain calm, avoid panic buying of BBM, and utilise the Pertamina Delivery Service (PDS) 135 if needing emergency fuel during travel.
In a separate statement, Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun conveyed that distribution strengthening in West Kalimantan is being carried out comprehensively to ensure BBM availability remains maintained and services operate optimally.
“We emphasise that BBM supplies in West Kalimantan continue to be increased and distributed maximally. With various efforts undertaken, the current situation has gradually become conducive. We have also encouraged petrol stations to operate optimally and implement stricter oversight to ensure public services are not disrupted,” Roberth explained.
Pertamina Patra Niaga, along with local government and law enforcement agencies, continues to strengthen coordination, including public outreach and crackdowns on hoarding practices and speculative activities that could disrupt distribution. Any indications of deviations will be firmly addressed in accordance with applicable regulations to ensure BBM is accessible equitably by the public. If the public encounters such hoarding practices, they can report via the Pertamina Contact Centre 135.
Roberth affirmed that Pertamina Patra Niaga is fully committed to ensuring the public’s energy needs are met optimally across Indonesia.
BBM Distribution in West Kalimantan Enhanced, Queues Gradually Normalising
In addition to national monitoring, BPH Migas has ensured BBM supply resilience on Kalimantan island is secure. Specifically in West Kalimantan, since the night of takbiran on 20 March 2026, BBM supplies to SPBU have been continuously increased as a follow-up to the National ESDM Sector Coordination Post for Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr (RAFI) 2026.
Several SPBU in Pontianak City are also operating 24 hours to reduce queues. Based on monitoring as of 22 March 2026, vehicle queue conditions are gradually improving.
“This step is expected to maintain public comfort, especially during the homeward and return journeys,” Fathul explained.
Based on statements from Pertamina Patra Niaga West Kalimantan Sales Area Manager Widhi Tri Adhi Hidayat, BBM distribution conditions in West Kalimantan as of 23 March 2026 are generally running safely and smoothly. Areas that previously experienced long queues due to demand spikes and panic buying are now gradually returning to normal.
“Queue conditions at various SPBU in Pontianak City and Kubu Raya Regency are now normal, while in Mempawah Regency, Singkawang City, and Bengkayang Regency they are moderate, and efforts continue in Sambas Regency and Landak Regency to reduce queues that remain relatively dense,” Widhi stated.
He detailed that during the task force period from 9-22 March, BBM distribution in West Kalimantan averaged 2,749 KL per day for Pertalite and Pertamax Series petrol (up 19.8% from normal, with a peak increase of 54% on 20 March) and 1,420 KL per day for diesel (down 3.7% from normal, with the highest increase of 20% on 18 March).
“PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan Region ensures smooth supplies to SPBU with additional tanker trucks and 24-hour operations at the Pontianak IT facility,” he said.