Odd-even system for subsidised fuel implemented to control queues
Makassar (ANTARA) - The South Sulawesi Provincial Government has officially begun implementing an odd-even system for the refuelling of subsidised fuel types, specifically Pertalite and diesel, at all petrol stations from 13–20 September 2026.
The implementation of this policy is one of the steps taken to untangle vehicle queues and simultaneously reduce traffic congestion around petrol stations that had previously occurred in several areas.
“Today at the Racing Center petrol station, we have implemented the odd-even system for all members of the public refuelling. So far, it has been quite manageable,” said the Acting Head of the Public Order and Peace Division of the South Sulawesi Satpol PP, Fahlevi Yusuf, in Makassar on Sunday.
While monitoring the location, Fahlevi stated that the application of the odd-even system at the Racing Center petrol station showed that vehicle queues were relatively controlled.
“From 08:00 to 18:00 WITA, vehicle queues were not seen stretching onto the main road,” he said.
According to him, the public has been sufficiently orderly in following the implemented regulations. Officers are also present at the location to provide guidance to motorists.
“The public is complying with the recommendations and appeals regarding the implementation of the odd-even system,” he added.
Fahlevi noted that the queue conditions on the first day of the policy implementation appeared different compared to before. Vehicle queues that previously extended onto the road are now contained within the petrol station area.
“The difference in impact is very clear; the queues are no longer waiting on the road, they are only halfway through the petrol station area,” said Fahlevi.
He mentioned that some members of the public also claimed to have learned about the odd-even implementation through social media news and subsequently chose to refuel at the Racing Center petrol station because the queue conditions were relatively more relaxed.
During the field visit, the Head of BPH Migas, Wahyudi Anas, also inspected the service conditions and the implementation of the odd-even system at the Pertamina Racing Center petrol station.
Meanwhile, a resident and fuel user named Jabar said he spent approximately 30 minutes queuing.
According to Jabar, the queues on the first day of the odd-even system implementation were relatively shorter than on previous days.
“On previous days, the queues were much longer. It is fine; today is for odd numbers, tomorrow for even. I hope it does not take long, and within a week, things will return to normal,” he said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by motorcyclist Andi Muhammad Fikri Rafi’i. He assessed that regulating fuel refuelling through the odd-even system is a viable option to address the previous queues.
“This option is good for addressing the problem of the previous massive queues,” said Fikri.
He also admitted to obtaining information regarding the implementation of the system through media and social media. He noted that the presence of officers at the location also helped in directing the public.