Modified-Tank Motorcycle Catches Fire at Tangerang Petrol Station, Police Investigate Fuel Misuse

A Suzuki Thunder motorcycle with a suspected modified fuel tank caught fire at a public petrol station on Jalan Raya Kronjo, Kresek District, Tangerang Regency, on Tuesday (21/7). Police are investigating the incident, suspecting the vehicle was used for the illegal practice of siphoning subsidised Pertalite fuel. Kasi Humas Polresta Tangerang Ipda Tri Leksono confirmed the incident, explaining that the fire broke out shortly after the rider filled the tank. “After refuelling, as the rider was about to leave, a spark appeared from the spark plug and immediately ignited the tank,” Tri said. No fatalities or injuries were reported. However, police are still investigating the exact cause of the fire and looking into the alleged misuse of subsidised fuel. According to Tri, the burnt motorcycle is believed to belong to an individual who runs a grocery store and often sells petrol in retail quantities. Authorities will therefore investigate the alleged practice of fuel siphoning or hoarding. There are indications that the motorcycle’s tank had been modified to increase its capacity for purchasing subsidised fuel at petrol stations. Tri emphasised that perpetrators of subsidised fuel misuse can be charged under Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 on Oil and Gas, as amended by Article 40 point 9 of Law Number 6 of 2023 on Job Creation. The offence carries a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp60 billion. “If there is indeed misuse, we will take firm action and process it according to the law,” he stated. According to witness accounts, the fire caused panic at the petrol station. Flames and thick black smoke from the motorcycle prompted other motorists to quickly move away for fear the fire would spread to the fuel storage facilities. Fortunately, petrol station attendants acted swiftly to extinguish the fire using portable fire extinguishers, bringing the blaze under control before it could spread further.