Viral Panic Buying of Fuel in Aceh, Pertamina Confirms Stock Is Sufficient
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Bagian Utara (Sumbagut) has urged residents in Aceh not to panic, stating that stockpiles of fuel (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are sufficient to meet demand until Idul Fitri. The company said it continues to ensure the availability of fuel and LPG for the public.
‘We urge the public to stay calm and not engage in panic buying, as our energy supply is being safeguarded and distributed properly,’ said Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, Area Manager for Communications, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut, in a briefing received in Banda Aceh on Thursday 5 March 2026.
He said a range of preventive steps have been taken, from stock build-up, strengthening distribution facilities, to active coordination with relevant parties. Pertamina is also implementing measures to strengthen services as part of anticipatory steps against potential increases in energy consumption during the period, including stock build-up and ensuring readiness of distribution infrastructure.
He stated that these steps are intended to ensure energy distribution to the public proceeds smoothly, safely, and measurably.
In addition, he said, Pertamina continues to implement mitigation steps to maintain energy supply resilience, including optimising distribution so that community needs are met across all operational areas, including North Sumatra.
He said that as an integrated energy company, Pertamina is supported by an interconnected value chain spanning upstream, refinery processing, and distribution to the public.
Pertamina also continues to ensure energy supply can be distributed optimally to various regions, including North Sumatra. In this context, he again reminded the public not to worry about energy availability during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut also urged the public to use energy wisely, efficiently and according to need. It also asked the public not to buy excessively as energy stocks are kept secure with a measured distribution pattern.
Moreover, the public was reminded not to hoard BBM or LPG, as such actions contravene applicable regulations and carry legal consequences. Pertamina expressed appreciation for the support of the government, law enforcement, stakeholders, and all people who helped maintain smooth energy distribution.
He said that with synergy and joint support, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut would continue to deliver Layanan Sepenuh Hati (Full-Care Service) to ensure that public energy needs are well met.
On this occasion, he also clarified the circulating chain messages via messaging apps and social media that urged people to immediately fill their vehicle tanks, or even to use jerrycans. He said such information is untrue, as energy distribution to the public is currently running normally and stock in Aceh and in Sibolga and surrounding areas is safe and being distributed according to public demand.
Pertamina invites the public to be more discerning in receiving and sharing information and not to trust chain messages from unclear sources that do not reflect the facts.