Fuel Crisis Hits Bali As Motorists Spend Up To Seven Hours In Petrol Station Queues

Indonesia’s popular tourist destination of Bali has experienced significant fuel distribution delays, leaving motorists stranded in long queues at petrol stations as authorities work to restore normal supplies.

The disruption, which reportedly began on Sunday, October 11, has been attributed to delays involving a fuel tanker, adverse weather conditions and increased demand for subsidised petrol. Some motorists were said to have waited as long as seven hours to refuel their vehicles.

Authorities have explained that the situation resulted from difficulties transporting and distributing fuel rather than a shortage of reserves.

State-owned energy company Pertamina has reportedly deployed additional tanker trucks and accelerated deliveries to petrol stations affected by the disruption in an effort to ease the pressure on motorists.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has appealed to residents to avoid panic-buying, while officials intensify efforts to stabilise distribution and reduce waiting times.

As of Thursday, October 15, authorities reported that the queues were gradually becoming shorter, although fuel distribution had not yet fully returned to normal.

The situation has highlighted the impact that transportation delays, unfavourable weather and rising demand can have on fuel availability, even when sufficient reserves are reportedly available.