West Pasaman Task Force Crackdown on Vehicles Using Modified Fuel Tanks
Simpang Empat (ANTARA) - The Subsidised Fuel Distribution Control Task Force of West Pasram District, West Sumatra, has taken action against several vehicles using modified fuel tanks at two petrol stations (SPBU).
“The crackdown, conducted through unannounced inspections, took place at SPBU number 14.263.594 Ujung Gading and SPBU number 14.263.578 Simpang Empat. This was a follow-up to community reports and information circulating on social media regarding the alleged misuse of subsidised fuel,” said Afrizal, Assistant II for Economy and Development of West Pasaman District, in Simpang Empat on Tuesday.
According to him, during the inspections, the Task Force discovered vehicles using modified tanks, often referred to as ‘stealth tanks’. Additionally, the team found that subsidised fuel was still being used by industrial and plantation transport vehicles with a tonnage exceeding 8 tonnes.
Following the discovery of the modified tanks, the Task Force provided direct guidance to the vehicle owners, requiring them to sign a statement promising to restore the vehicle tanks to standard conditions and to refrain from further violations.
He emphasised that petrol station managers and supervisors must comply with the regulations for distributing subsidised fuel as stipulated in the West Pasaman Regent’s Circular Letter. The purchase limits have been set at a maximum of 10 litres for two-wheeled vehicles, 40 litres for four-wheeled vehicles, and 70 litres for six-wheeled vehicles.
“The Local Government, alongside the Task Force, will continue to conduct regular monitoring. If violations are still found, the Task Force will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions and pursue legal action,” he asserted.
Task Force Chairman Agusli emphasised that the crackdown is not only aimed at consumers but is also the responsibility of petrol station managers and supervisors to ensure that the distribution of subsidised fuel adheres to the regulations.
“Station supervisors must be firm in enforcing the rules. Do not serve inappropriate vehicles or those whose data does not match the QR Code. Maintaining order is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The Head of the Internal Security Unit (Kanit Paminal) of the West Pasaman Police, Ipda Algino Ganaro, reaffirmed the commitment to taking action against violations that could potentially harm the public and cause subsidised fuel to be misallocated.
“We from the police will no longer issue mere warnings. If ‘stealth tanks’ or practices of hoarding subsidised fuel are found in the West Pasaman area in the future, we will proceed directly with legal action in accordance with the applicable laws,” he stated.
In addition to the crackdown, the West Pasaman Police are coordinating with the Department of Transportation and local police sectors to manage traffic flow around petrol stations, particularly to alleviate queues and prevent congestion.
The inspection was also attended by the Head of the Legal Division, Indra Syahputra, as well as joint elements from the West Pasaman Police, Kodim 0305/Pasaman, BINDA West Sumatra, Satpol PP, the Department of Communication and Informatics, the Natural Resources Division, the Regional Secretariat, the Economic Division, the Department of Transportation, and other relevant stakeholders.