Long Queues for Fuel in Bali and East Java: Here’s What’s Behind Them
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has explained the long queues at petrol stations in several parts of Indonesia, including Bali, East Java and North Sulawesi.
One of the main causes is the growing shift in consumption from unsubsidised fuel to subsidised fuel, particularly Pertalite (RON 90).
Pertamina Patra Niaga vice-president of corporate communications Kitty Andhora said the queues reflected a combination of increased demand and changes in consumer behaviour. Fuel distribution had also been affected by operational difficulties involving delivery vessels.
“Queues at several petrol stations have been influenced by higher demand in certain areas, a shift in consumption from unsubsidised to subsidised fuel, and operational problems, including technical issues with vessels that affected distribution and the receipt of supplies,” Kitty told CNBC Indonesia on Friday (16 October 2026.
In East Java, the company recorded an increase in Pertalite consumption across several cities and regencies. The areas seeing higher demand include Surabaya, Malang, Kediri, Blitar, Tulungagung, Banyuwangi and Bondowoso.
To ease the build-up of vehicles, Pertamina is stepping up deliveries from terminals and reserve depots. Tanker-truck trips are being increased, with supplies prioritised for petrol stations whose stocks are critically low.
“Pertamina Patra Niaga is currently optimising supplies from terminals and reserve depots, increasing tanker-truck trips and prioritising deliveries to petrol stations with critically low stocks. Queue management is also being carried out with petrol station operators and local authorities,” Kitty said.
In Bali, Pertamina is operating its Pertamina Delivery Service (PDS) at high-traffic petrol stations to help ease queues. It is also coordinating traffic management around filling stations with the police and local governments.
The company has urged the public to buy fuel in line with normal needs and not to panic-buy or hoard it. Stock levels and distribution are being closely monitored to restore the smooth flow of supplies.
Bahlil’s explanation
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, said Pertalite, or RON 90, stocks currently represented 16 to 18 days of supply. This is down from the usual level of around 18 to 20 days.
The reduction in stock cover has been driven by consumers switching from unsubsidised Pertamax to subsidised Pertalite.
Bahlil said the supply situation and decline in reserves did not affect other types of fuel.
“At the refinery, we have [different grades]. For us, the issue is RON 90—not that there is a problem, but it is the only grade with stocks below 20 days. Diesel, RON 92, RON 95 and RON 98 are not an issue. The shift from 16 to 18 days is happening with RON 90. Why? Because people who used RON 92 and 95 have shifted to RON 90, as the price difference is quite economical,” Bahlil said at a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Friday (16 October 2026).
The price gap between RON 90 and unsubsidised fuels such as RON 92 and RON 95 has encouraged consumers to change their daily purchasing patterns. Although Pertalite stocks stand at 16 to 18 days, the reserves are considered safe and meet national availability standards.
“By national standards, it is clear. It may take us a week to reach 20 days. That will be done in a week, but 16 to 18 days does not mean we are below the minimum standard. It is still fine,” he stressed.
The Government aims to restore Pertalite stocks to the target level of 20 days within a week. National fuel reserves at refineries and petrol stations across the country are being maintained.
“Our national fuel stocks are at 16 to 18 days. So, God willing, national fuel stocks are safe,” he said.