In Response to Queues at Petrol Stations, Pertamina: Avoid Panic Buying

PT Pertamina (Persero) states that the long queues of vehicles to refuel at petrol stations in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, are due to increased energy consumption and adjustments to distribution at several supply points. “And there are distribution adjustments at some distribution points,” said Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Muhammad Baron, via text message on Friday, 20 March 2026. Baron stated that Pertamina continues to strive for normal fuel distribution by optimising distribution to petrol stations experiencing increased demand. He said Pertamina is implementing gradual supply adjustments and intensive coordination with relevant parties to ensure supplies quickly return to even levels. On behalf of the company, Baron urged the public to remain calm and not engage in excessive purchasing or panic buying. Because, he said, fuel stocks are in a safe and sufficient condition. Recently, a video circulated showing queues of vehicles on a main road. In the video uploaded by the Instagram account @agung_elshaarawy, dozens of cars and motorbikes can be seen queuing on a road. The video, lasting more than one minute and uploaded on Friday, 20 March 2026, shows that the queue consists of vehicles intending to refuel at a public fuel filling station (SPBU).