Fuel Shortages Trigger Long Lines in Aceh

Residents in Greater Aceh are facing persistent fuel shortages, leading to extensive queues at public filling stations. Irwan, a 50-year-old resident, was seen at the Cot Iri Public Fuel Filling Station before dawn, joining hundreds of others waiting for nearly 200 meters. He expressed his determination to secure diesel, having failed to find it at other stations the previous day. The alternative, Dexlite, costs significantly more than subsidized biodiesel.

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I had to come before dawn just to make sure I could get diesel.

The situation has been ongoing since early July, forcing many residents to queue before daybreak for fuel. Employees at local gas stations report that while deliveries of subsidized biodiesel and Pertalite continue daily, demand consistently outstrips supply, leading to rapid stock depletion. This has created a challenging environment for motorists who rely on these essential fuels.

In response to the escalating shortages, Pertamina Patra Niaga, through its Northern Sumatra Regional Office, has implemented several measures. Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw, the Area Manager for Communication, Relations, and Corporate Social Responsibility, stated that the company has extended the operating hours of the Lhokseumawe Integrated Terminal and the Krueng Raya Fuel Terminal from an average of eight hours to 14 hours per day. Furthermore, fuel tanker deliveries have been increased by 65 percent to expedite distribution efforts.

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But demand keeps increasing, so our stock runs out very quickly.

Despite these measures, the demand for fuel remains high. The article also references related news about global oil price surges and Indonesia's plans for E20 fuel, as well as Pertamina's assurance of adequate current stock levels. A fact-check regarding a viral photo of a burned gas station in Aceh was also mentioned, clarifying that the incident was misrepresented.

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We have also increased fuel tanker deliveries by 65 percent to speed up distribution.