Queues at Petrol Stations Caused by Consumers Switching to Subsidised Fuel
The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has stated that increased consumption of subsidised fuel is one of the triggers for long queues at public petrol stations (SPBU). “There has been a shifting, a change in the purchasing pattern of non-subsidised fuel, with many switching to subsidised,” said BPH Migas Head Wahyudi Anas during a working meeting with Commission XII of the House of Representatives on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
BPH Migas data recorded that the distribution of diesel reached 9.48 million kilolitres. This means diesel fuel has been distributed at approximately 50.85 per cent of this year’s quota of 18.64 million kilolitres. For kerosene, 0.26 million kilolitres were recorded as distributed, reaching 48.91 per cent of the set quota of 0.53 million kilolitres. Meanwhile, the distribution of Pertalite RON 90 reached 13.96 million kilolitres, equivalent to 47.68 per cent of the quota of 29.27 million kilolitres.
The government previously raised the price of non-subsidised fuel on 10 June 2026. The price of Pertamax RON 92 increased from Rp 12,300 to Rp 16,250 per litre, while Pertamax Green 95 rose from Rp 12,900 to Rp 17,000 per litre. Wahyudi said the increase in diesel distribution occurred after the government raised the prices of other fuel types such as the Dex Series and Pertamax. He stated that this price hike was the reason people switched to using subsidised fuel.
On the same occasion, Deputy President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Taufik Aditiyawarman said that long queues in Sumatra were also influenced by distribution delays to dispensing outlets. “For the inconvenience felt by the public, we apologise,” he said. Regarding the long queues in Sumatra, Taufik said Pertamina Patra Niaga will continue to increase supply and manage distribution patterns by adding more fleets. He added that the company is also extending the operational hours of petrol stations and distribution from depots.
As of Thursday morning, 16 July 2026, Taufik said the total supply of fuel and LPG reached 3.61 million kilolitres. Based on supply and demand projections, Taufik stated that Pertamina Patra Niaga is still able to meet consumer needs.