Vehicles with Out-of-Province Number Plates Banned from Purchasing Subsidised Fuel, Drivers in Labuan Bajo Complain

The ban on vehicles with number plates from outside East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) purchasing subsidised fuel in Labuan Bajo has sparked complaints from drivers and vehicle owners. The policy is seen as potentially increasing costs in the midst of efforts to earn a living.

“I just have to accept it,” said Alan in Labuan Bajo, Thursday (February 26, 2026). Alan owns an Avanza car with a DK (Bali) number plate, which he uses as a passenger vehicle. The car is still under credit.

He admitted that the policy would not have a major impact on him because he has been mostly filling up with non-subsidised fuel due to the difficulty of obtaining subsidised fuel. He even once bought subsidised fuel in small bottles sold on the side of the road at a higher price.

However, Alan believes that the ban on vehicles with NTT number plates using subsidised fuel has some positive aspects. The quota for subsidised fuel can be better maintained, and vehicle tax has the potential to go to the region if vehicles from outside are transferred to NTT number plates.

However, he said there are a number of obstacles to transferring vehicles. According to him, many owners of vehicles with out-of-province number plates do not yet understand the transfer process, including where to take care of it. Some say that the transfer must be handled in the vehicle’s original region. “They don’t understand the transfer process yet,” said Alan.

In addition, the cost of transfer is an obstacle. Alan admitted that he has not been able to transfer his car because of the cost, especially since he is still paying off the credit. “We in the transport sector have economic constraints (transfer costs),” he said quietly.

A number of other drivers of vehicles with out-of-province number plates in Labuan Bajo also expressed their objections. They believe that the policy makes it difficult for people who depend on vehicles for their livelihood.

“There are many vehicles with out-of-province number plates in Labuan Bajo that are used to earn a living. There are many pick-up trucks, passenger cars, and trucks,” said Yuda, one of the drivers in Labuan Bajo.

Previously, it was reported that motor vehicles with out-of-province number plates were prohibited from purchasing subsidised fuel at gas stations in Labuan Bajo. A similar policy also applies to vehicles that have not or have not paid vehicle tax. These vehicles are only allowed to purchase non-subsidised fuel.

The ban is regulated in the Governor’s Regulation (Pergub) of NTT Number 13 of 2025 concerning the Optimisation of Vehicle Tax, Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, and Heavy Equipment Tax. The UPTD of the NTT Provincial Revenue Office together with the Manggarai Barat Revenue Office have socialised the implementation of the regulation to vehicle owners at a number of gas stations in Labuan Bajo.

The Head of the UPTD of the NTT Provincial Revenue Office, Anjas Pranda, explained that the socialisation focused on the provisions for the consumption of subsidised fuel. He said that the calculation of the quota for subsidised fuel is based on the number of vehicles operating in the NTT region. However, this provision becomes biased when many vehicles from outside NTT also consume subsidised fuel in the area.

“They enjoy subsidies in the NTT region, but their taxes are paid to other regions,” said Anjas in a written statement, Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

According to him, the policy aims to maintain the availability of subsidised fuel stocks so that there is no shortage that triggers long queues at gas stations.

“Through the implementation of this policy, the Regional Government is trying to maintain the availability of subsidised fuel stocks so that it can anticipate shortages, which then have implications for long queues at gas stations,” he added.

In addition to vehicles with out-of-province number plates, the regulation also targets vehicles that have not or have not paid taxes. “Those who have not and/or have not paid taxes should fill up with non-subsidised fuel,” said Anjas.