Fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations across Bali have raised concerns among residents and visitors in recent days. Reports of limited fuel availability emerged across several key regions, including Denpasar, Badung, and Tabanan.
But what is actually causing the disruption? Has Bali run out of fuel, or is the problem more complicated? Here is what we know about the situation, the reasons behind it, and the steps being taken to restore normal supply.
What Happened?
Reports began emerging of long queues and fuel shortages at petrol stations across Bali. Some stations reportedly ran out of Pertalite, Indonesia's subsidised petrol, while others experienced limited availability of Pertamax.
The disruption affected motorists who rely on fuel for their daily commutes, work, and transport services. Visitors travelling by scooter or car were also potentially affected, particularly in areas where queues formed outside petrol stations.
Bali's provincial government and state-owned energy company Pertamina actively addressed the issue, announcing additional fuel deliveries and 24-hour distribution measures.
However, reports did not indicate that the island had completely run out of fuel. Instead, the situation appeared to involve delays in deliveries, distribution bottlenecks, and sudden surges in demand at individual petrol stations.
Why Is Bali Experiencing a Fuel Shortage?
Several factors have contributed to the disruption:
1. Delayed Fuel Deliveries
One of the main issues was a delay in fuel shipments. Pertamina acknowledged delays affecting Pertalite supplies, while a tanker carrying Pertalite and biodiesel arrived at Benoa Port to help replenish supplies and support distribution across affected stations.
However, fuel arriving at a port does not immediately mean it is available at the pump. It must still be unloaded, handled, and transported through the island's distribution network.
2. Distribution Bottlenecks and Traffic Congestion
Another major challenge is getting fuel from storage terminals to individual petrol stations.
Fuel stored at central facilities such as Sanggaran and Manggis must be transported by tanker trucks. Traffic congestion on key arterial roads slowed down parts of this distribution process, creating a bottleneck where fuel was present in terminal tanks but unable to reach stations before pumps ran dry.
3. Panic Buying and Increased Demand
Public reaction can often amplify logistical delays.
When motorists hear that petrol stations are running low, many refuel immediately rather than waiting as they normally would. This sudden spike in demand empties station tanks much faster than standard operational projections, compounding local shortages while delivery trucks are still en route.
4. Uneven Fuel Allocations
Reports from areas such as Tabanan also highlighted concerns regarding reduced temporary allocations to individual petrol stations.
Temporary reductions in daily station quotas can make shortages feel much more severe locally, even if bulk supplies remain available at central storage facilities.
Has Bali Actually Run Out of Fuel?
No, according to official reports and statements from Pertamina.
Substantial fuel reserves remained in main supply terminals at Manggis and Pesanggaran. The core challenge involved distribution speed and point-of-sale availability rather than an absolute absence of fuel reserves on the island.
What Is Being Done to Resolve the Shortage?
Pertamina and local authorities announced several key measures intended to restore normal supply:
• Additional Fuel Shipments: Scheduled tanker arrivals carrying tens of thousands of kilolitres designated specifically for Bali.
• 24-Hour Operations: Operating fuel unloading and terminal distribution around the clock to clear supply backlogs quickly.
• Prioritising High-Demand Areas: Directing distribution trucks to petrol stations with the longest queues, particularly around Denpasar, Badung, and Tabanan.