Pertamina assures fuel supply in Flores is secure after M7.7 earthquake
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has assured the reliability of fuel oil (BBM) supplies in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on Saturday morning.
Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, said from Surabaya that the safety of the public and workers is Pertamina’s top priority in dealing with the disaster situation.
“Pertamina expresses its concern over the earthquake that occurred in NTT. We continue to carry out checks and ensure that all fuel distribution facilities are in safe condition,” he said when confirmed.
Pertamina is monitoring the condition of fuel distribution facilities and infrastructure in Sikka, Nagekeo and Greater Manggarai regencies, as well as other affected areas.
Initial inspection results show that all fuel distribution agencies are in safe condition and no damage has been found to main facilities.
As a precautionary measure, operations at a number of distribution agencies have been temporarily halted until facility inspections are completed and conditions are declared safe.
He said the temporary suspension of operations at several points is a precautionary measure to ensure safety aspects are met before services resume.
Pertamina is also coordinating with local governments and relevant agencies to monitor the impact of the earthquake, including electricity disruptions and the condition of the Trans Ende-Bajawa road, which has suffered landslides, he continued.
Ahad said Pertamina is ensuring that fuel stock availability remains in safe condition and is preparing supply security measures so that the community’s energy needs can be met once conditions allow.
For the Reo area, current stock resilience is recorded at approximately nine days for Avtur, six days for Biosolar, four days for Pertamina Dex, five days for Pertamax and five days for Pertalite.
In addition to maintaining energy reliability, he said Pertamina, through Pertamina Peduli, is preparing humanitarian aid for communities affected by the earthquake.
The aid consists of ready-to-eat meals and basic food packages containing rice, cooking oil, milk, mineral water, bread and other essential items.
Pertamina is also preparing logistical support in the form of emergency tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and medicines to support the needs of around 1,000 displaced people at the Reo Disaster Post.
Ahad stressed that all aid will be distributed through coordination with relevant parties on the ground so that it can reach communities in need.
“We continue to carry out regular inspections of facilities and infrastructure as well as strengthen coordination in affected areas to ensure energy services can resume safely and gradually.”
Pertamina urges the public to remain calm, avoid panic buying, and refer to official information from the government and Pertamina regarding fuel availability and energy service developments in affected areas.
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday at 05:58 WITA or 04:58 WIB. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), as of 12:30 WIB, recorded 14 people dead, two seriously injured and 11 lightly injured as a result of the earthquake.