Bali Faces Fuel Shortage as Deliveries Stall

Bali residents complain about a shortage of Pertamax fuel at several gas stations.

The issue has affected Denpasar, Badung, and especially the southern regions of the island, where some stations have completely stopped selling Pertamax, continuing to offer only subsidized Pertalite. Large queues have formed, and some stations have closed altogether.

The management of Indonesia's main fuel supplier, Pertamina, officially stated that the shortage was caused by delays in sea deliveries. According to the company, bad weather conditions around Bali and Lombok prevented fuel ships from reaching the Sanggaran fuel terminal in Denpasar in a timely manner. This terminal typically supplies Jimbaran, Badung, and the entire central part of the island.

Pertamina's communications manager for the East Java - Bali - Nusa Tenggara region, Ahad Rahedi, stated that the main difficulty lies in the inability of tankers to berth safely for unloading. This has led to delays in regular delivery schedules and a subsequent reduction in available supplies at certain gas stations.

To minimize the impact of disruptions, Pertamina has implemented a temporary scheme to reroute fuel through the Manggis terminal in Karangasem. This terminal is usually used as an auxiliary one, but due to the current situation, it has become the main backup channel.

According to Pertamina data:

— a vessel with 2,000 kiloliters of Pertamax is expected to arrive at the Sanggaran terminal;

— a vessel with 9,000 kiloliters of Pertamax is expected to arrive at the Manggis terminal.

Before both deliveries arrive, the company is distributing a temporary daily volume of 200 kiloliters, half of which is sent from the Sanggaran terminal and half from the Manggis terminal.

Pertamina emphasizes that all fuel terminals continue to operate 24/7. The company states that the technological capabilities and infrastructure are fully ready to restore normal volumes once the delayed vessels arrive.

Additionally, fuel distribution is coordinated between terminals to ensure priority supply to areas with the highest traffic flow.

Pertamina urges Bali residents to purchase fuel sensibly, without excessive buying, to avoid placing additional pressure on the logistics chain during the supply restoration period. The company also reminds people that any suspicious or rule-violating actions by gas stations can be reported to the contact center.

According to Pertamina, supply restoration will begin immediately after the delayed tankers arrive at both terminals. The company expects that after the fuel is unloaded and the regular distribution schedule is restored, Pertamax will once again be available in all areas of Bali.
Sources: ANTARA, Bali Tribune