Residents reminded not to "panic buy" fuel ahead of Eid
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has reminded residents not to panic excessively (panic buying) when purchasing fuel (BBM) ahead of Eid, or amid the situation in the Middle East conflict.
“Use fuel wisely according to needs. There is no need for panic buying as it could disrupt supply stability,” said the Chairman of the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), Mufti Mubarok, when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to Mufti, panic could potentially create artificial shortages in the field due to unbalanced distribution.
Mufti assessed that the government and Pertamina have endeavoured to ensure fuel availability remains secure during the mudik flow and ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026.
He also mentioned that tensions in the Middle East region have disrupted energy supply distribution passing through the Strait of Hormuz and caused volatility in global crude oil prices.
“Therefore, the government’s steps to ensure guarantees for national energy stock supplies are crucial,” he stated.
He greatly hopes that Pertamina can maintain stock stability as well as smooth distribution to all parts of the archipelago, especially on main mudik routes and in areas that are mudik destinations.
“The mudik momentum requires extra preparedness, particularly in maintaining fuel availability to remain safe and easily accessible for the public at various travel points,” he said.
Mufti also emphasised that the presence of the state through energy SOEs is key in providing a sense of security to the public.
Amid ongoing global dynamics, including geopolitical tensions involving major powers like the United States in the Middle East region, Mufti invited the public to respond reasonably.
According to him, the government has a solid national energy reserve safeguarding system.
“The public need not worry. The government together with Pertamina has mechanisms to keep national energy resilience stable,” he said.
Distribution Strengthening
In addition, BPKN also highlighted the importance of strengthening fuel distribution at crucial points such as toll roads, the North Coast Java route (pantura), and inter-provincial routes expected to experience high density.
“Distribution must run smoothly and evenly, especially on dense mudik routes, so that public travel remains comfortable,” he said.
Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, assured that national fuel stocks are still sufficient.
He said that domestic fuel industry and imports will continue to run, not too affected by the war in the Middle East.
The same was conveyed by the President Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Mars Ega Legowo Putra.
Previously, on various occasions, the government has maintained operational fuel reserves around 21 to 28 days. This figure is deemed sufficient to secure distribution during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period.
For subsidised Pertalite and solar fuels, stock resilience is maintained above the minimum limit, around 16 to 17 days.
Meanwhile, for LPG, national reserves are at 15.6 days (above the minimum standard of 11 days).
Finally, for avtur fuel, stocks are sufficient for about 23 days to support increased flights.