Pertamina: Changes to Distribution Patterns Have Caused Long Fuel Queues

Jember, East Java (ANTARA) – Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager for Communications, Relations and CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga’s East Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara (Jatimbalinus) Regional Office, said changes to distribution arrangements had led to long queues of people buying fuel at several petrol stations in Jember, East Java.

“We continue to monitor services at petrol stations in Jember and several other areas. We are monitoring supplies while taking into account public needs, operational readiness and distribution conditions on the ground,” he said in a telephone interview from Jember on Monday.

He said the ongoing geopolitical conflict had affected adjustments to delivery schedules and patterns, including the arrival of tanker ships. As a result, Pertamina had also needed to adjust its fuel distribution arrangements to several petrol stations.

“We stress that there has been no reduction in deliveries, but there have been adjustments to fuel distribution patterns, so we urge the public not to panic,” he said.

He explained that fuel stocks were being maintained to meet public demand, but distribution challenges required attention, particularly in southern Jember. The distance from the area to the fuel terminal at Tanjungwangi in Banyuwangi was one consideration in optimising delivery routes and timings.

“Fuel stocks remain secure and available to meet public needs, but delivery schedules have changed, triggering long queues at petrol stations. If fuel is available from retailers, that means it is not scarce, because the fuel is there,” he said.

He urged the public not to be swayed by unverified reports of shortages or fuel price increases, particularly on social media, which could prompt stockpiling or panic-buying.

“We also urge people to buy fuel according to their needs and not to purchase excessive amounts out of concern that stocks will run out. Pertamina assures the public that fuel supplies are sufficient to meet their needs,” he said.

Observations at several petrol stations in southern Jember found queues extending beyond the stations as a result of the adjustments to fuel distribution arrangements.

Pertamina is also coordinating with the police and the Transportation Agency to manage traffic, so that long queues of vehicles at petrol stations do not cause congestion on nearby roads.