Pertamina Sulawesi Urges Task Force to Monitor Fuel and LPG Queues
PT Pertamina Patra Niages Regional Sulawesi has requested a cross-sectoral task force to strengthen integrated supervision to alleviate queues for fuel purchases and ensure the availability of subsidised LPG.
“This is what we expect with the formation of the task force team,” said Rainier Axel Siegfried Parlindungan Gultom, Sales Area Manager Retail for South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, and South Kalimantan at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi, in Makassar on Wednesday.
Axel stated that the cross-sectoral task force involves law enforcement agencies, business actors, and Pertamina elements involved in supply and distribution. He noted that integrated supervision is necessary to reduce queues and prevent the consumption of subsidised fuel and LPG that does not align with its intended purpose.
“The key is to alleviate all queues and prevent improper consumption, particularly for these subsidised types of fuel and LPG. Everyone has their respective roles, led by representatives from each regency and municipal government as the primary sector,” he said.
Regarding subsidised fuel, Pertamina plans to open several petrol stations (SPBU) with extended operating hours and more organised arrangements. The company also requires supervisory support from law enforcement and the Department of Transportation to manage queues that extend beyond the petrol stations, as these are currently disrupting public order.
Meanwhile, for subsidised three-kilogram LPG, Pertamina will increase distribution in several regions experiencing heightened demand. This step involves relevant departments to ensure availability and that distribution reaches the communities entitled to the subsidy.
Addressing the long queues at petrol stations observed over the last two months, Axel explained that the situation is influenced by several factors, including increased demand from the tourism and logistics sectors. He emphasised that stocks are supplied to petrol stations daily without interruption, yet queues persist.
Axel also addressed rumours circulating in the community regarding alleged restrictions on Pertalite and three-kilogram LPG, as well as issues regarding price hikes. He noted that queues at petrol stations have been observed as late as 3:00 am, which is considered abnormal, and that some circulating information appears to be inaccurate.
Pertamina staff at petrol stations have been actively querying consumers regarding information they have received. From these interactions, it was found that rumours regarding planned price increases for fuel and LPG are untrue.
Regarding petrol stations committing violations, Pertamina has conducted evaluations and monitoring. Up until mid-2024, 63 petrol stations in South Sulawesi have been sanctioned with suspensions lasting between two to four weeks. During these sanction periods, the distribution of subsidised fuel is halted. Additionally, Pertamina detected anomalies in 6,023 vehicle registration numbers using barcodes and has blocked all of them.