Pertamina Increases Fuel Tanker Fleet in Medan to Curb Panic Buying
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut has moved quickly to anticipate energy demand dynamics amid concerns over global fuel stock resilience. As a concrete step, Pertamina has optimised fuel distribution and expanded its fleet of tanker vehicles to better ensure fuel availability for residents of Medan and its surrounding areas.
Tito Rivanto Marsono, Sales Area Manager for Retail Medan at Pertamina Patra Niaga, emphasised that the expansion of the fleet and tanker personnel was undertaken to better guarantee smooth energy distribution to the public.
“We continue to optimise fuel distribution in Medan by expanding our tanker fleet along with personnel to better support smooth energy distribution,” he stated on Sunday (8 March).
This step was further strengthened through intensive coordination with Medan Municipal Government at the Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut office on Friday (6 March). The meeting was attended by officials from Medan Municipal Government, including the Assistant for Economy and Development at the Mayor’s Office, Citra Effendi Capah.
Medan Municipal Government has urged residents to remain calm and not be influenced by scarcity rumours that trigger panic buying. Citra Effendi Capah called for fuel purchases to be made in line with normal consumption levels.
“We urge Medan residents to remain calm. Based on coordination with Pertamina, fuel distribution continues to run smoothly,” he affirmed.
He also warned of practices by certain retailers who deliberately hoard or unofficially resell fuel. This situation was seen as potentially triggering public unrest.
“Together with relevant authorities, we will tighten field supervision to ensure fair distribution,” he stated.
Tito said that the commitment to maintaining fuel supply is also part of Pertamina Patra Niaga Sumbagut’s preparations for the Eid al-Fitr period. Regular coordination with stakeholders will be increased to ensure energy services remain optimal throughout the Sumbagut region.