Bali deploys soldiers and police as fuel queues ease in parts of island

Denpasar — Bali authorities deployed 100 soldiers and 20 police officers to operate petrol stations, escort fuel tankers and maintain order as queues eased in Denpasar and Badung but remained long in Buleleng and Jembrana on 18 October 2026.

Why it matters: Visitors and transport operators faced changing routes while authorities managed fuel stations and queues remained long in two Bali regencies.

The latest development followed the introduction of an odd-even rule for vehicles buying subsidised Pertalite fuel on 17 October, according to The Jakarta Post and The Straits Times. The policy helped fuel distribution run more smoothly and shortened queues at several stations.

Travel agencies had adjusted itineraries because of congestion around petrol stations, moving some visitors to nearer or less crowded destinations. The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies’ Bali chapter said on 16 October that it had recorded no trip cancellations linked to the traffic disruption, according to DOMA News.

The authorities’ response came as fuel shortages affected transport across parts of the island. The Jakarta Post reported that the deployment was intended to support exhausted station staff, keep stations operating and help tanker trucks move more efficiently.

Queues still affected Buleleng and Jembrana after conditions improved in Denpasar and Badung. The odd-even policy applied to subsidised Pertalite purchases, while the reported easing in the south was expected to improve traffic flow and fuel distribution.

Sources

• The Jakarta Post
• The Straits Times
• DOMA News
• detikTravel