Amid an unprecedented fuel shortage in Bali, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional “Jatimbalinus” supplemented supplies with a tanker carrying 18,000 kiloliters (KL) of Pertalite and 2,500 KL of Pertamax on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The vessel’s arrival supports faster fuel distribution to public gas stations (SPBU), meeting public demand while ensuring smooth service operations across Bali.
Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, stated that Pertamina continuously monitors fuel stock levels and consumption in the field. Distribution operations are also being optimized following the ship’s docking.
Quoted by BeritaBali, Ahad said: “With the docking of the fuel tanker, we are reinforcing supplies of Pertalite and Pertamax to meet the needs of the Balinese people. We continue to optimize distribution to gas stations by taking into account stock conditions and consumption rates in each area.”
Average Pertalite consumption in Bali is approximately 2,200 KL per day. This figure serves as a key reference for Pertamina Patra Niaga to plan supplies and set distribution priorities, ensuring gas station needs are met in line with real-time conditions.
To maintain supply continuity, Pertamina Patra Niaga scheduled staggered fuel tanker arrivals for October 12, 14, and 16, 2026, at the Sanggaran and Manggis Fuel Terminals. The total scheduled cargo volume amounts to 26,200 KL.
In line with this plan, Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to optimize fuel unloading and distribution from terminals to gas stations. Demand assessments are also being conducted based on stock levels and consumption rates in each area.
Pertamina urges the public to buy fuel according to their needs and avoid excessive buying. The public is also encouraged to rely on Pertamina’s official communication channels for accurate and verified information.
The current fuel shortage has disrupted daily life in Bali, with consumers queuing for hours to buy fuel for motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles.
Pertamina Apologizes
PT Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri acknowledged that delays in unloading fuel tankers—caused by anchor-related issues and high seas —were a primary factor behind the long queues at several gas stations in Bali. Simon apologized to the public and assured that Pertamina is accelerating distribution to restore normal service.
Mantiri made the apology on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, following a coordination meeting with Bali Governor Wayan Koster. Mantiri explained that the cargo discharge process, originally scheduled for 06:30 am on Tuesday, was delayed until approximately 10:00 pm.
”One of the main causes was that the vessel encountered difficulties with its anchor during the cargo discharge process. However, I want to emphasize that this is not an excuse for us,” said Simon on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, after meeting with Governor Wayan Koster.
Simon apologized for the long queues at various gas stations and said Pertamina takes responsibility for improving service and ensuring future fuel distribution runs smoothly.
”On behalf of PT Pertamina (Persero), as President Director, I offer my deepest apologies—particularly to the people of Bali—for the queues we have all experienced at gas stations across the region over the last few days,” he said.
Pertamina Prepares 24-Hour Gas Stations.
To alleviate fuel queues in Bali, Pertamina, together with Pertamina Patra Niaga, is implementing three key measures. These include increasing supply and deliveries from available tankers, accelerating distribution from depots to gas stations, and implementing 24-hour service at gas stations. 24-hour service is now available in Denpasar and Badung Regency. Pertamina aims for gas stations in Tabanan and Gianyar to follow suit in the coming days.
Pertamina is also increasing the number of field operators in collaboration with the National Oil and Gas Entrepreneurs Association (Hiswana Migas) to ensure smooth service and prevent staff fatigue. In emergencies, Pertamina can request assistance from the National Police (Polri) and the Military (TNI) to serve as operators.
Additionally, every gas station is displaying notices confirming that fuel stocks are available and that services are operating 24 hours a day. This information is expected to alleviate public anxiety, allowing refueling to proceed gradually without triggering long queues.
”The support from Bali has been extraordinary. Thank you to the Governor; he was present and personally led the meeting—addressing matters in great detail and technical depth—to ensure the outcome would truly reassure the public,” he said.
Koster Says Bali’s Fuel Stocks Are Sufficient
Meanwhile, Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that Bali’s fuel supplies are secure. He noted that tankers arrived at the Manggis and Pesanggaran Fuel Terminals on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, carrying a total load of 19.2 million liters—enough to last six to seven days.
A shipment of 3 million liters of Pertamax, which arrived the same day, is enough to meet needs for about three days—additional supplies to arrive on October 15, 16, and 17, 2026.
Koster also said the 25 million-liter Pertalite stock is sufficient for about 10 days. Meanwhile, a 3-million-liter supply of Pertamax, scheduled to arrive on October 13 and 17, is estimated to last for 10 to 11 days.
”This means that stocks of Pertalite and Pertamax are available and sufficient—exceeding normal levels—in Bali Province,” said Koster.
To speed up distribution, all 92 gas stations in Denpasar and Badung—54 in Denpasar and 38 in Badung—will operate 24 hours a day. The Manggis and Pesanggaran depots will also operate around the clock.
The Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with Pertamina, is increasing the fuel transport fleet from 92 to 105 units. Police escorts support fuel deliveries from depots to gas stations, in coordination with the Bali Regional Police.
Koster urged residents in Denpasar and Badung not to flock to gas stations while fuel supplies remain available. Residents can delay refueling until the evening or the following day to help alleviate queues. “It is safe; the fuel is there,” he said.
Koster hopes Pertamina will strengthen its contingency planning and distribution management to ensure that the shortages experienced since Monday afternoon, 12 October, do not recur.
”This is Indonesia’s showcase; the eyes of the world are upon it,” Koster said.
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