Bali Police Handle 21 People in Subsidized-Fuel Cases

Denpasar — Bali Police said they had taken action against 21 people in 18 suspected cases involving misuse of subsidized fuel during shortages and long queues at gas stations across Bali in mid-October 2026. Officers secured about 753 liters of subsidized fuel, according to reports published Oct. 17 and Oct. 18.

The cases involved alleged stockpiling and resale at prices well above official levels. Police said the response varied according to the seriousness of each violation, the suspect’s role, the quantity of fuel and the gain involved. The reports did not establish that all 21 people had been convicted; some cases involved administrative handling and further investigation.

Why Bali’s fuel crackdown matters to visitors and residents

For foreign residents and visitors, the enforcement means that subsidized fuel is being treated as a controlled public resource rather than ordinary merchandise for resale. The reported cases included fuel bought with subsidized purchase credentials and then transferred to containers for resale. Police also described sales through online marketplaces and cash-on-delivery arrangements.

One reported case involved a man identified by the initials IS from Tabanan. Police alleged that he misused subsidized diesel in Gerokgak, Tabanan, where about 300 liters were seized.

The reports also said that queues at some stations had begun to ease by Oct. 18, after a temporary odd-even system for Pertalite purchases was introduced. Bali’s regencies and cities were asked to establish monitoring and oversight task forces for the distribution of subsidized fuel. That measure places local governments, fuel distributors and law enforcement in a more formal monitoring role as authorities respond to shortages and possible diversion.

Sources

• Bali Post — regional news organisation
• metrotvnews.com
• balipuspanews.com
• bali.disway.id