Pertamina Seeks to Block 5,000 Vehicle Plates Flagged for Repeated Subsidized-Fuel Purchases

Pertamina Patra Niaga has asked for about 5,000 vehicle registration numbers to be blocked in West Sumatra after the vehicles were flagged for repeatedly buying subsidized fuel.

The move forms part of a broader effort to ensure subsidized fuel reaches the people entitled to receive it. Kitty Andhora, the company’s vice president for corporate communications, said Pertamina is combining direct field checks with digital monitoring. “Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to strengthen supervision, both through direct field inspections and the use of digital systems, to ensure that subsidized fuel is distributed according to regulations and received by the people entitled to it,” she said in a written statement on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

The request followed an examination of purchasing patterns. Pertamina also asked for thousands of vehicle registration records to be deleted after identifying transactions that appeared inconsistent with the rules. The company is coordinating with the West Sumatra provincial government and law enforcement agencies as it follows up on suspected violations.

Pertamina, the West Sumatra police and the provincial government conducted surprise inspections at several fuel stations in Padang. The teams reviewed subsidized-fuel distribution, transaction compliance, QR Code use, station facilities and distributor adherence to regulations. Operations and customer service remained normal at the stations inspected. Inspectors did find indications that some vehicles used registration numbers that did not match during refueling, but the stations refused to serve them.

Pertamina’s West Sumatra retail sales area also issued 31 sanctions in 2026, including guidance measures and temporary supply suspensions, against distributors found to have violated the rules. The actions are intended to keep the distribution of Certain Types of Fuel and Special Assignment Fuel in line with regulations.

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Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to strengthen supervision, both through direct field inspections and the use of digital systems, to ensure that subsidized fuel is distributed according to regulations and received by the people entitled to it.