South Sumatra Mandates 24-Hour Operations for Subsidised Diesel Stations

All fuel stations (SPBU) dispensing subsidised diesel in South Sumatra have been mandated to operate 24 hours a day by the provincial government. The move aims to eliminate vehicle queues that still occur at several locations.

Governor Herman Deru stated that the policy was implemented after an evaluation showed improvements in the distribution of subsidised diesel. This follows the introduction of adjusted filling schedules and the formation of a Supervisory Task Force (Satgas) for Subsidised Diesel Distribution.

Based on inspections of six fuel stations in Palembang City, Banyuasin Regency, and Ogan Ilir Regency, queues have begun to decrease since the implementation of the new filling schedules. The review was conducted alongside PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagsel, the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), and the police.

Despite the improvements, queues persist at certain stations, particularly the CGC and Pegayut stations. “We want these fuel stations to always be available. We will summon the station managers to ensure they are capable of providing 24-hour service,” Herman said.

Herman also noted that diesel smuggling, which had previously been a major cause of the long queues, has significantly decreased following the enforcement of the new regulations.