Bali’s Fuel Crisis: Extended Queues as Distribution Glitches Linger

DENPASAR, Indonesia – Motorists on the tourist‑dependent island of Bali formed extensive lines outside fuel stations this week after deliveries were interrupted by a mix of technical malfunctions, adverse weather and surging demand, officials said Wednesday. Motorcycles and cars lined up on nearby roads as drivers vied for limited supplies.

The queues have persisted since Sunday, leaving many commuters stuck in long waits. At numerous stations, signs now read “Sorry, no fuel available,” while drivers and motorcyclists await fresh deliveries.

Authorities emphasized that the shortages stem from domestic distribution problems rather than an overall lack of fuel or turmoil in global markets. “This is purely a distribution issue,” said Laode Sulaeman, director‑general of oil and gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. He added that a delayed tanker had now arrived and 24‑hour deliveries were under way.

A fuel tanker bound for Bali experienced an anchoring problem while preparing to unload, which delayed shipments to the island’s principal terminals. Rough seas and poor weather also slowed deliveries to the Sanggaran terminal in Denpasar and the Manggis terminal in eastern Bali.

The disruption was amplified by strong demand for the government‑subsidised Pertalite gasoline, which is considerably cheaper than non‑subsidised grades. Panic buying by concerned motorists further strained station inventories.

The bottlenecks have frustrated residents and business owners on the island, where fuel is essential for transportation and tourism. “This is really a waste of time. We should be productive, but instead we’re stuck in line,” said a local motorist who spent roughly seven hours waiting. A fashion‑store owner called for better queue management.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said that fuel reserves at storage depots remain adequate, but deliveries to stations have been slowed by delayed tanker arrivals and road congestion. He urged calm, noting that additional supplies are being distributed island‑wide.

State‑run energy firm Pertamina reported that it is closely monitoring stocks following the arrival of a tanker carrying about 18 million litres of Pertalite and 2.5 million litres of Pertamax, a higher‑octane non‑subsidised gasoline.

The shortages coincide with broader national challenges in securing fuel imports, driven by disruptions to global shipping routes linked to tensions in the Middle East. President Prabowo Subianto has kept subsidised pump prices unchanged through the year to curb inflation and protect household purchasing power.

Niniek Karmini contributed to this report from Jakarta.

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