Thousands of police protect gas stations

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)