Secure Supply: Pertamina and South Sulawesi Governor Urge Public Not to Panic Buy Fuel
During the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H homecoming traffic, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi, in collaboration with the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, issued a strong appeal to the public to refrain from excessive purchases of fuel (BBM) or engaging in panic buying.
This appeal was conveyed following observations of increased public mobility, while both parties guarantee that BBM stocks, particularly Pertamax Turbo in Makassar and its surroundings, are safe and sufficient.
Based on monitoring data from Thursday (19/3) until 12:00 WITA, Pertamax Turbo stocks at several petrol stations (SPBU) in Makassar were recorded as safe, ranging from 3,500 to 10,200 litres per SPBU. Pertamina has also anticipated the increased demand by supplying additional fuel from the Parepare Fuel Terminal to several strategic SPBU.
Supporting areas such as Maros even recorded stocks exceeding 10,200 litres per SPBU, serving as a buffer supply in case of sudden consumption spikes in Makassar.
Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi, Lilik Hardiyanto, emphasised that the public need not worry about BBM availability.
According to her, the trend of increased consumption during homecoming has been anticipated, and the public is urged to remain calm.
“We ensure that Pertamax Turbo stocks are safe and distribution is smooth. We invite the public to stay calm and avoid panic buying. Purchase BBM only as needed. Pertamina is committed to maintaining energy supplies to meet needs properly during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period,” said Lilik.
A similar statement was made by the Governor of South Sulawesi, Andi Sudirman Sulaiman. Based on reports from the Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office (ESDM), BBM stocks across Sulsel are in a safe status. He specifically asked residents not to flock to fill up fuel excessively.
“We convey to all our beloved residents that BBM stocks for Sulsel are safe according to reports from the Provincial ESDM Office. We hope all residents avoid panic buying,” said Sudirman.
He explained that excessive purchases would only create unnecessary long queues at public fuelling stations (SPBU). This could instead hinder the mobility of other vehicles, especially those heading home who need fuel for long journeys.
“By avoiding panic buying, we can reduce queues at SPBU and prioritise homecoming vehicles so their journeys are smoother,” he clarified.
Observations at several strategic SPBU show vehicle queues still within normal limits. The South Sulawesi Provincial Government invites all residents to jointly maintain order during the homecoming period, and to pray that the homecoming and return flows proceed smoothly and safely.
Pertamina, together with local government, will continue to enhance distribution oversight and coordination to ensure optimal energy services.