Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Responds to Long Queues at Petrol Stations in Several Regions

Bandung Barat — Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Yuliot Tanjung, has responded to reports of long queues of members of the public at public fuel service stations (SPBU) in several regions.

He explained that the queues have occurred due to gaps in the delivery process when fuel stocks at petrol stations are depleted. This situation has triggered public anxiety, prompting the government to take immediate precautionary measures.

“There has also been a public anxiety reaction. That is what we are anticipating,” said Yuliot following an inspection of the Padalarang Fuel Terminal in Bandung, West Java, on Monday.

Yuliot stated that intensive coordination is being carried out with the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Body (BPH Migas) and Pertamina Patra Niaga to accelerate distribution.

“As soon as we receive information about queues, we immediately coordinate with the head of BPH Migas and the Chair of the ESDM National Command Post to speed up delivery. Pertamina Patra Niaga also acts quickly, so the situation can be resolved swiftly in several regions,” he said.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is ensuring that fuel supplies remain available and distribution will continue to be maintained to prevent disruptions in the field.

Furthermore, Yuliot emphasised that at the national level, fuel stocks are well above the minimum thresholds set by the government.

Pertalite has a stock supply for 24 days, whilst the minimum threshold is 18.2 days. Pertamax is recorded at 27.4 days, above the minimum threshold of 19.9 days. Pertamax Turbo reaches 30.2 days, with a minimum threshold of 22 days.

For diesel, the government is also ensuring supply remains secure. Meanwhile, Pertamina Dex stocks currently reach 46.9 days, well above the minimum threshold of 24.9 days.

“With this situation, we believe that through to the end of the peak holiday travel season, God willing, fuel availability will be secure,” he said.