Fuel Shortage Disrupts Bali as Demand Surges

Long lines of vehicles have formed at gas stations across Indonesia's resort island of Bali this week, with disruptions to fuel deliveries attributed to a combination of technical issues, adverse weather, and surging demand, officials stated Wednesday.

Motorcycles and cars have been observed waiting outside stations, with queues extending onto nearby roads as motorists seek fuel. The shortages have been ongoing since Sunday.

Officials emphasized that the current shortages stem from domestic distribution challenges rather than a lack of fuel supply or wider instability in global energy markets. Laode Sulaeman, director-general of oil and gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, clarified that the issue is "purely a distribution issue." A delayed fuel tanker has since arrived, and 24-hour deliveries have resumed.

Sulaeman further explained that a fuel tanker destined for Bali experienced an anchor problem while preparing to unload, which delayed deliveries to the island's primary fuel terminals. Additionally, rough seas and poor weather conditions slowed shipments to the Sanggaran terminal in Denpasar and the Manggis terminal in eastern Bali.

The situation was exacerbated by high demand for government-subsidized Pertalite gasoline, which is considerably less expensive than unsubsidized alternatives. Reports indicate that some motorists engaged in panic-buying due to concerns about potential shortages, further straining available supplies.

Attendants at several gas stations posted notices stating, "Sorry, no fuel available," while drivers and motorcyclists waited for new deliveries. These shortages have caused frustration among residents and business owners on the island, where transportation is crucial for both daily life and the tourism industry.

Made Marlianti, who spent approximately seven hours waiting for fuel, described the situation as "a waste of time" that prevents productivity.

Febi Marsha, a fashion store owner, suggested that authorities could have managed the situation more effectively to prevent its escalation, noting that while fuel is available, limited supplies and queues require better management.

Images from various locations on Wednesday showed extensive lines of motorcycles, idle fuel pumps, and security personnel, including soldiers, deployed to manage the crowds.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster stated that fuel stocks at storage depots remain adequate but acknowledged that deliveries to gas stations were hampered by delayed tanker arrivals and road congestion. He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that additional supplies are being distributed.

The state-run energy company Pertamina confirmed it is closely monitoring supplies following the arrival of a tanker carrying 18 million liters (4.8 million gallons) of Pertalite and 2.5 million liters (660,000 gallons) of Pertamax, a higher-octane unsubsidized gasoline.

These fuel disruptions occur as Indonesia navigates broader challenges in securing fuel imports due to global shipping route disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Despite the financial burden on the state budget, President Prabowo Subianto has maintained subsidized pump prices through the end of the year to control inflation and support household purchasing power.