Fuel crisis at private gas stations widens.

The fuel crisis is sweeping private gas stations across various regions of Indonesia. Several consumers complain about the difficulty of finding fuel at Shell and BP-AKR gas stations. Empty tanks, empty queues, and a notice board reading "out of stock" have become everyday sights. This condition has lasted more than a week, causing unrest among the public and becoming a serious concern for the government.

Out of stock at the private gas station.

Shell Indonesia stated that their flagship products such as Shell Super, V-Power, and V-Power Nitro+ are not yet available again. A similar situation was experienced by BP-AKR. The BP Ultimate and BP 92 products also cannot be fulfilled. Two-wheeled and four-wheeled riders admit they have to travel far just to obtain alternative fuel. Most eventually switched to Pertamina gas stations because supply was more secure.

This phenomenon not only occurs in Jakarta, but also in several other large cities. National media outlets such as Tempo, Bisnis Indonesia, and Kontan note that fuel stockouts at private gas stations are continuing, with no certainty of new supply.

Causes of the surge in demand

Energy experts assess that the root cause of this problem is a surge in demand for non-subsidized fuel. Since Pertamina implemented the QR Code system for purchasing subsidized fuel, some members of the public have switched to non-subsidized fuel. This massive shift is driving a surge in demand at private gas stations, while distribution channels are not yet ready to cope with the pressure of large-volume demand.

This condition shows the fragility of the fuel distribution system outside Pertamina. The limited availability of imported stock is worsening the situation further.

Government response

The government acted quickly. Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced plans to summon private gas station operators. Shell and BP-AKR are scheduled to attend a coordination meeting that will discuss a comprehensive solution to this crisis. The government emphasizes the importance of supply synchronization between the private sector and Pertamina.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources added that the import quota for fuel for private companies has been increased by up to 10 percent compared with the previous year. Nevertheless, that additional quota has not fully resolved the problem on the ground. This shows that the problem is not merely the quantity of imports, but also distribution and the supply chain.

Access Options to Pertamina Fuel

One of the strategic steps currently being considered is to grant private gas stations access to buy fuel directly from Pertamina's refinery. Subject to the condition that they meet the technical specifications established by the Directorate General of Oil and Gas. This policy aims to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen national energy security.

Some parties welcome this idea, but emphasize the need for transparency in the disbursement mechanism. Without clear rules, there is concern that monopolistic practices could arise and harm other businesses.

Impact on Society

For society, this crisis is felt directly in daily life. Online motorcycle taxi drivers complain that they have to travel a longer distance to refuel. Public transport drivers also admit they had to queue longer at Pertamina gas stations. This condition has the potential to increase transportation costs, which ultimately affects the prices of basic necessities.

A consumer in West Jakarta expressed his/her frustration to CNN Indonesia. "I've already driven around to three Shell gas stations; they're all out of fuel. I had to go back to Pertamina, even though I usually prefer Shell fuel because of its performance," he said.

Economic Analysis

Energy economists say the fuel crisis at private gas stations signals the need to improve distribution governance. Additional import quotas are not sufficient unless accompanied by logistics efficiency. Collaboration between Pertamina and private gas stations becomes a short-term solution, but the government must also consider a long-term strategy so that energy security is not disrupted every time there is a surge in demand.

Bloomberg Technoz notes that this issue is also related to the discourse on halting BBM imports from Singapore. If that policy is implemented abruptly without preparation, distribution disruptions could become more severe.

A Step Forward

The government promises to promptly find a permanent solution. "We will ensure that the public's needs are not disrupted. All parties must sit down together, both Pertamina and private operators," a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources official told Reuters.

Meanwhile, the public is asked to stay calm and use fuel as needed. The government affirms that the supply at Pertamina's gas stations remains safe and available to meet national needs.

Closing

The fuel crisis at private gas stations serves as a warning to Indonesia that energy security must be safeguarded with a more comprehensive strategy. The government needs to reorganize distribution, strengthen reserves, and open up space for more equitable collaboration between Pertamina and private companies. Thus, the public is no longer anxious about facing sudden crises like the current one.

For readers who want to know more about the development of energy in Indonesia, also read the related article on Insimen that discusses global energy issues and their impact on the domestic market.