Pertamina Takes Firm Action Against Rogue Tanker Drivers, Guarantees North Sumatra Fuel Supply

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has taken firm action against tanker drivers found committing operational violations in the North Sumatra region. This was done to strengthen distribution reliability while ensuring the availability of fuel stocks for the public remains safe. VP Corporate Communication of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Kitty Andhora, explained that enforcing discipline in the field is part of the company’s commitment to maintaining occupational health and safety aspects. She stressed that the entire sanctioning process is carried out in accordance with the company’s internal regulations to ensure optimal distribution service quality. ‘We have zero tolerance for any violations that could disrupt the reliability of fuel distribution. The entire process is conducted according to applicable regulations so that service to the public remains optimal,’ she said in an official statement on Wednesday. Management confirmed that the disciplinary action against the individuals did not hinder daily operational activities. The company reported that the energy distribution system from fuel terminals to petrol stations remains stable. The enforcement of rules is positioned as the company’s effort to maintain the integrity of the national energy supply chain at the regional level. Through strict supervision, Pertamina Patra Niaga is committed to continuously improving safety and comfort standards for all customers in North Sumatra and surrounding areas. The public had previously been alarmed by reports of long queues at petrol stations in Medan, North Sumatra. Pertamina Patra Niaga explained that this was triggered by an increase in fuel demand in recent days, in line with rising public activity, including the resumption of school and office routines which boosted mobility. However, Kitty stated that the increase in fuel consumption in the Medan area was met by accelerating distribution capacity so that the community’s energy needs remained fulfilled without hindrance. ‘Along with the increase in public activity, fuel demand in Medan also rose by around 5-10% compared to the daily average. We immediately increased distribution capacity by adding tanker fleets, strengthening distribution personnel, and optimising operations so that services at petrol stations have now returned to normal,’ Kitty explained. As a measure to accelerate distribution, Pertamina Patra Niaga added 10 operational tanker trucks, 30 spot charter tanker trucks, and strengthened distribution personnel with an additional 34 tanker crew members from the nearest fuel terminal, along with support from 16 personnel from the Army Equipment Directorate. The company also continues to provide guidance and take action against disciplinary violations by all operational partners to ensure the distribution process adheres to safety, compliance, and reliability standards. Furthermore, operations at the Medan Fuel Terminal and several petrol stations were optimised to run 24 hours a day to accelerate fuel distribution to the public. These efforts yielded positive results. On 14 July 2026, distribution realisation reached 104 per cent of the daily target, with 149 tanker units operated, or 115 per cent. Currently, operations at the Medan Fuel Terminal have returned to normal and all fuel distribution processes to petrol stations are running smoothly. Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to coordinate with local governments, security forces, and all stakeholders to ensure the reliability of energy supply for the community.