West Kalimantan fuel distribution returns to normal after Aidilfitri rush

KUCHING (March 25): Queues at petrol stations in Pontianak and other parts of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, are beginning to ease as fuel supply remains stable and sufficient to meet demand during the post-Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel period.

According to the Pontianak Post, Indonesia’s Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has assured that national fuel stocks — both subsidised and non-subsidised — are adequate.

This marks a sharp contrast to last week, when long queues formed at petrol stations in Pontianak as residents rushed to fill up ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Fathul Nugroho, a committee member of BPH Migas, said fuel supply remains “very safe” ahead of the return travel period and urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying.

The report noted that fuel distribution from terminals to petrol stations is proceeding smoothly, with regular quality monitoring confirming compliance with government standards.

In West Kalimantan, fuel supply was increased from the eve of Aidilfitri on March 20 following coordination under the national Ramadan and Aidilfitri energy sector task force.

Several petrol stations in Pontianak have been operating around the clock to ease congestion, with conditions gradually improving.

According to the Pontianak Post, monitoring as of March 22 showed vehicle queues had begun to ease.

Pertamina Patra Niaga West Kalimantan sales area manager Widhi Tri Adhi Hidayat said overall fuel distribution as of March 23 was safe and smooth, with previously affected areas returning to normal.

“Pontianak and Kubu Raya are now normal. Mempawah, Singkawang and Bengkayang are at moderate levels, while Sambas and Landak are still experiencing relatively heavy queues which are being addressed,” he said in the report.

Between March 9 and 22, daily gasoline distribution averaged 2,749 kilolitres, up 19.8 per cent from normal levels, peaking at a 54 per cent increase on March 20, according to the report, and diesel distribution averaged 1,420 kilolitres per day.

To maintain stable supply, Pertamina has operated its integrated terminal in Pontianak 24 hours a day, increased tanker truck fleets, and boosted delivery frequency to priority stations.

Additional pumps at stations have been activated, QR code systems accelerated to ensure targeted distribution, and police escorts deployed for tanker trucks to expedite deliveries.

Authorities have also tightened monitoring against fuel hoarding and speculative activities, which consumer group Forum Konsumen Berdaya Indonesia described as serious violations that harm the public.