Bali Police Secure Five Suspected Fuel Hoarders as Queues Continue

Denpasar — Gov. I Wayan Koster disclosed on Oct. 16 that Bali Police had secured five people suspected of hoarding subsidized fuel and reselling it by the bottle. The disclosure came as long queues continued at several fuel stations across Bali.

The five people were suspected of stockpiling fuel for retail resale, according to Balipost.com and IDN Times Bali. The police action was described as part of efforts to monitor fuel distribution and keep sales within the rules.

Why Bali’s fuel queues matter to visitors and residents

For foreign residents and visitors, the immediate issue is practical: motorcycles, cars and other vehicles may face delays at fuel stations while supplies are distributed. The reports describe continuing queues in several parts of Bali, including Denpasar and Badung, rather than a rule directed specifically at foreigners.

Police were also reported to be escorting fuel tankers from the Manggis depot, placing personnel at fuel stations and considering an odd-even vehicle system to manage queues. The possible odd-even arrangement still required further discussion and was not reported as an implemented rule.

Koster said faster distribution was necessary to reduce the lines and asked Pertamina to accelerate deliveries to fuel stations. Fuel demand in Denpasar and Badung was reported at about one million liters per day. Police said they were prepared to continue securing distribution until the queues returned to normal.

Sources

• Balipost.com — regional news organisation
• IDN Times Bali — regional news organisation
• gobaligo.id
• gulf-times.com