Fuel Queues Ease in Southern Bali as Forces Join Station Operations

Denpasar — Fuel queues across Bali eased on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Denpasar city and Badung regency, while long lines continued in Buleleng and Jembrana regencies. The authorities deployed Army soldiers and police officers at fuel stations as the island faced shortages.

The improvement followed the introduction of an odd-even rule for vehicles buying subsidized Pertalite gasoline. The policy began on Oct. 17, with vehicles permitted to refuel according to the last digit of their registration plates. The measure was intended to reduce pressure at stations and improve the movement of tanker trucks and fuel supplies.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, the state fuel distributor’s regional operating company, said distribution had become smoother after the policy took effect. The company worked with the Bali provincial government, military units and police to protect fuel deliveries and support operations at stations.

Why Bali’s fuel queues matter to visitors and residents

For foreign visitors and foreign residents, the disruption meant that access to fuel could vary sharply by district. Stations in the island’s main southern urban and tourism areas were reporting shorter queues, but travelers heading north or west could still encounter substantial waits in Buleleng or Jembrana. The measures applied to cars and motorcycles across Bali, rather than only to commercial vehicles or local residents.

The shortages had also affected traffic. Long lines occupied roads near some stations, making deliveries slower and adding to congestion. Authorities said shorter queues would allow tanker trucks to travel from fuel terminals to stations more efficiently.

Pertamina said it and the provincial government would continue monitoring queues and evaluating the policy’s effect on waiting times, traffic and station conditions.

Sources

• The Jakarta Post — established Indonesian news organization
• afp.com
• article.wn.com