Petrol Mixed with Water at Bekasi Service Station Causes Dozens of Vehicles to Break Down

JAKARTA — Twenty-one motorcycles and four cars suddenly broke down shortly after refuelling at a Pertamina petrol station (SPBU) in East Bekasi. Video circulating on social media showed white liquid emerging from fuel tanks, suspected to be water contamination.

One account holder on Threads stated their motorcycle stalled immediately after leaving the pump. Initially believing the engine was damaged, they discovered multiple riders experiencing the same problem in the vicinity. “I bought petrol mixed with water at the Pertamina Bulak Kapal station in Bekasi. Left the pump and the motorcycle stalled. I thought it was broken, but then realised many motorcycles around the pump were also broken down. Went back to the pump with a group of people. Word has it this kind of incident has happened before,” the account pujiestia wrote.

The fuel contamination incident left consumers concerned. SPBU supervisor Ragil Pambudi issued an apology to all affected customers. “This incident did indeed occur. We sincerely apologise to all consumers for the water contamination in the fuel,” Ragil told reporters on Sunday (1 March 2026).

Ragil suspected the water mixed with the fuel possibly originated from tap water or the surrounding area. “Our preliminary suspicion is tap water or water from the surrounding location, because beside the area there is a building positioned higher up. However, this remains speculation and cannot be confirmed,” he said. The exact technical cause remained under investigation, with Ragil stating that Pertamina’s authorised personnel would provide further explanation.

Following consumer complaints about vehicle malfunctions after refuelling, Pertamina immediately halted Pertalite distribution at the station. “We promptly instructed temporary suspension of Pertalite distribution at SPBU 34.171.46 upon receiving consumer reports. Our primary focus is ensuring comprehensive handling of affected vehicles by asking the SPBU to establish a complaints post,” said Susanto August Satria, Area Manager for Communication, Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional JBB.

All 21 two-wheeled and 4 four-wheeled vehicles affected by the contamination have been handled. Repair costs remain the responsibility of the SPBU. “Some vehicles have been repaired and are back in service, whilst repair work on others continues until completion,” Satria explained.