Full Breakdown
Bali Fuel Shortage Triggers Island-Wide Queues and Service Disruptions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Distribution Glitch Sparks Island-Wide Fuel Shortage
A technical problem with a fuel-tanker’s anchor, rough seas and a surge in demand for subsidized Pertalite delayed deliveries to Bali’s main terminals, reducing flow from storage depots to gas stations and creating island-wide shortages despite ample national supplies.
Timeline
- October 12, 2026 – Disruptions began in Denpasar, Badung and near I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, causing traffic congestion along Tuban Road.
- October 13, 2026 – Motorists reported queues that stretched onto surrounding roads and, in some locations, approached 24 hours.
- Mid-October – Authorities confirmed the arrival of a large tanker and instituted 24-hour deliveries.
- October 15, 2026 – Public and private schools in Denpasar were ordered to conduct classes online for three days.
- October 16, 2026 – The final shipment of additional fuel was slated to arrive at the Sanggaran and Manggis terminals.
Data & Statistics
- Pertamina reported a tanker delivering 18 million liters of Pertalite and 2.5 million liters of Pertamax.
- Government officials cited over 21 million liters arriving at island terminals.
- Additional scheduled deliveries total 26.2 million liters.
- The daily fuel allocation for Bali was set at 2.2 million liters.
- Queues lasted up to seven hours, with some lines persisting nearly a full day.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents spent hours in the heat waiting to refuel; one commuter described a seven-hour wait. Tourism suffered as Russian tour operators canceled excursions and jeep drivers queued for Mount Batur trips. Education was disrupted: Denpasar schools shifted to online learning, and Udayana University moved lectures and examinations online. Police and soldiers were deployed to manage crowds and discourage panic buying.
Official Statements & Responses
- Laode Sulaeman, director-general of oil and gas, called the situation “purely a distribution issue” and noted that the delayed tanker had arrived, enabling 24-hour deliveries.
- Governor I Wayan Koster said fuel stocks at depots remained sufficient, blamed a surge in demand and distribution delays, and urged residents to avoid panic buying.
- Pertamina said it was monitoring supplies, accelerated deliveries, extended operating hours at selected stations, and scheduled additional shipments.
- President Prabowo Subianto’s administration kept subsidized pump prices fixed through the end of the year.
On-the-Ground Reports
Motorists posted footage of kilometre-long lines, some sleeping on roads to keep their spots. Resident Made Marlianti said the queues “waste time” and hinder productivity. Business owner Febi Marsha called for better queue management, noting that fuel was available but supplies were limited.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fuel volume discrepancy: Pertamina’s figure of 18 million liters of Pertalite contrasts with officials’ estimate of over 21 million liters total.
- Arrival timing: One statement described the tanker’s arrival as “yesterday,” while other reports place the initial disruption on October 12, leaving the exact chronology unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is purely a distribution issue,” — Laode Sulaeman
- “This is really a waste of time. We should be productive, but instead we’re stuck in line,” — Made Marlianti
- “Fuel is available, but supplies are limited,” — Febi Marsha
What’s Next
Additional fuel shipments are scheduled for October 16, 2026, with authorities expecting the deliveries to cover roughly a week’s normal consumption. Officials continue to monitor distribution and have asked residents to purchase only the fuel they need to prevent renewed congestion at stations.
