Fuel Shortages in Bali: Government and Pertamina Respond to Long Lines

Fuel shortages have recently plagued Bali, resulting in long queues at gas stations, with some lines stretching up to one kilometer. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia met with President Prabowo Subianto on October 14, 2026, as reported by CNBC Indonesia.

According to Bahlil, the national fuel stock remains secure, with reserves sufficient for 16 to 18 days. He attributed the long queues to distribution challenges rather than a depletion of fuel supplies. Bahlil said the national stock is safe but there are distribution issues that will be discussed in a meeting, as noted in reports from Detik Finance.

“Bahlil said the national stock is safe but there are distribution issues that will be discussed in a meeting.”Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

The Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy, Laode Sulaeman, explained that delays in fuel delivery were caused by late shipments and distribution hurdles, not by a lack of fuel supply. He said the delays were due to issues with shipping logistics and weather conditions affecting delivery routes, as reported by Detik Finance.

To address the situation, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has committed to increasing fuel supplies to Bali by 57.9 million liters, including 44.9 million liters of Pertalite and 13 million liters of Pertamax, scheduled for delivery from October 14 to 17, 2026. This measure aims to alleviate the pressure on gas stations across the island, as confirmed by Kitty Andhora, Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina Patra Niaga, in a statement reported by Detik Finance.

“Kitty Andhora said they are optimizing distribution and ensuring that fuel is available continuously to meet the needs of the community.”Kitty Andhora, Vice President of Corporate Communication, Pertamina Patra Niaga

In addition to increasing supply, Pertamina has extended the operational hours of gas stations in Denpasar from 24 to 60 stations operating around the clock to better serve the public. Kitty Andhora said they are optimizing distribution and ensuring that fuel is available continuously to meet the needs of the community, according to Katadata.

“Simon Aloysius Mantiri noted that the demand for Pertalite has increased significantly and that efforts are underway to manage the situation effectively.”Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Director Utama of Pertamina

Despite the assurances from officials, the situation has led to panic buying among residents, exacerbating the problem. Pertamina's Director Utama Simon Aloysius Mantiri acknowledged that the surge in demand for subsidized Pertalite, which is priced lower than non-subsidized fuels, has contributed to the shortages. He noted that the demand for Pertalite has increased significantly and that efforts are underway to manage the situation effectively, as reported by CNN Indonesia.

As the government and Pertamina work to resolve the fuel crisis, officials urge the public to remain calm and purchase fuel according to their needs.