Thousands of police protect gas stations

JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of security personnel will be deployed in and around the capital's 51 gas stations in the days ahead of the scheduled 30 percent increase in fuel prices on Saturday.

Jakarta Police chief of operational control Sr. Comr. Nono Suprijono told reporters on Wednesday they would be deployed to prevent illegal activities such as illegal purchase and stockpiling.

Jakarta Police Chief Sofjan Yacob has also threatened to arrest individual businessmen or company representatives should they be caught committing the crimes.

Recently, the city was hit by a diesel fuel shortage due to an alleged conspiracy by businessmen, involving state oil company Pertamina and gas stations. The group is believed to have illegally purchased diesel fuel intended for the public, which is sold at a cheaper price than fuel for industry.

So far nobody has been arrested by police in relation to the crimes. (ylt)