Pertamina Optimises Fuel Distribution in Medan, Queues Return to Normal

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Utara (Sumbagut) has optimised the distribution of fuel in Medan City and its surrounding areas, leading to smoother services at numerous petrol stations (SPBU) and a return to normal queuing conditions. Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut, Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, stated that the company continues to strengthen the entire energy supply chain to ensure public needs are met. “Queues at several petrol stations are beginning to return to normal as a result of various distribution acceleration efforts we have undertaken together with all stakeholders. We will continue to optimise operations until public services are fully back to normal,” Fahrougi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. To accelerate the recovery of distribution, the company is operating the Medan Group Integrated Terminal for 24 hours and has increased the number of tanker trucks through a spot charter scheme. Pertamina has also strengthened the number of tanker crew personnel and optimised supply from the Kisaran Fuel Terminal, Siantar Fuel Terminal, and Lhokseumawe Integrated Terminal. These measures are reinforced through synergy with the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, the Indonesian National Petroleum Entrepreneurs Association (Hiswana Migas), petrol station operators, and transport partners to ensure fuel distribution runs quickly and effectively. In addition to ensuring smooth distribution, Pertamina is also continuously monitoring stock levels and distribution at all petrol stations. If there is an increase in demand in a particular area, supply adjustments are immediately made through the Regular Alternative Emergency (RAE) scheme to maintain fuel availability for the public. The improvement in distribution conditions is already being felt by residents. Samsuri, a 60-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver in Medan, said that the queues for refuelling that had previously occurred have now diminished and services at petrol stations are running more smoothly. “A few days ago, I urged the public to be patient because there were indeed some obstacles. Now the conditions are much better. The queues have reduced and refuelling is also smoother. I have experienced this myself. Thank you to the government and Pertamina for continuously working so that conditions are improving,” Samsuri said. As part of the effort to ensure optimal fuel distribution, the Executive General Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut, together with the Head of BPH Migas, also conducted a direct inspection of petrol station operations in Binjai City. The inspection was carried out to observe field service conditions and to ensure that the supply and distribution of fuel to the public is proceeding properly.