Revealed: The Triggers Behind Long Fuel Queues in Sumatra, According to ESDM and Pertamina

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has revealed the causes of the long fuel queues that recently occurred at several public filling stations (SPBU) in parts of Sumatra. Deputy Minister of ESDM Yuliot Tanjung stated that he had requested the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) and PT Pertamina (Persero) to conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the problems on the ground. “So I, from the ESDM ministry, have asked the head of BPH Migas to check together with PT Pertamina, so what are the problems in the field. We have identified them,” Yuliot said at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, quoted on Friday (17/7/2026). The evaluation focused on the fuel distribution system, from supply reception at integrated terminals to deliveries to SPBU. Yuliot noted that while fuel availability at the integrated terminals was relatively smooth, the evaluation looked into whether there were transportation obstacles in the distribution to the SPBUs. He added that the queues only occurred in certain areas, but the government is conducting the evaluation to ensure distribution runs optimally again. He also confirmed that national fuel stocks are safe and more than sufficient. Pertamina Patra Niaga Deputy CEO Taufik Aditiyawarman acknowledged an unusual surge in demand at several points in Sumatra, leading to supply delays. This condition was triggered by a migration of consumers from non-subsidised fuel to subsidised fuel. He emphasised that the company is accelerating distribution to respond to the increase in consumption of Pertalite and Solar, which has exceeded normal daily levels. Pertamina recorded that Pertalite distribution in July had reached 104% compared to normal daily consumption, while subsidised Solar reached 105%. This increase occurred alongside an 18% drop in Pertamax Series sales as consumers switched to cheaper fuel types. As a follow-up, Pertamina has added tanker fleets and extended the operating hours of SPBU and depots in affected areas. The company is committed to maintaining product availability and smooth daily distribution to alleviate public concerns about stock scarcity.