North Sumatra governor addresses fuel shortages, cites driver scarcity

North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has assured that fuel stocks in the province are sufficient, despite shortages reported at some gas stations. The scarcity is attributed not to a lack of supply, but to disruptions in distribution caused by a reduction in the number of fuel transport truck drivers. "Pertamina informed me that the fuel itself is not scarce. The problem lies in distribution because the number of fuel truck drivers has decreased," Nasution stated after a coordination meeting on fuel distribution. He explained that a mass resignation of drivers has prevented normal operation of transport fleets. To address this, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is collaborating with Pertamina, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police (Polri). Nasution requested personnel from the TNI and Polri be prepared to assist in distribution, either as drivers or for security of the transport fleets if needed. "Starting tonight, we ask the TNI and Polri teams to be ready. We are just waiting for the needs communicated by Pertamina, the number of personnel required to help with distribution," he said. The governor stressed the provincial government's full support to prevent prolonged distribution disruptions that could affect public activities and the economy. However, he clarified that driver recruitment and termination are internal company matters under Pertamina's purview. "Regarding the recruitment or termination of drivers, that is their internal domain. What's most important for us is that internal issues do not impact the people of North Sumatra," Nasution added. Nasution also expressed regret over the lack of early notification regarding potential distribution problems. He believes that if local authorities had been informed sooner, anticipatory measures could have been taken more rapidly. "If there are operational problems like this, they should be communicated to the local government early on. If there's anything we can help with, we would certainly help from the beginning," he stated. He reiterated that fuel supplies remain adequate and are still arriving from outside the region, confirming the issue is solely with distribution.

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Pertamina informed me that the fuel itself is not scarce. The problem lies in distribution because the number of fuel truck drivers has decreased.