Full Breakdown
Bali Fuel Shortage Triggers Island-Wide Queues
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Immediate Crisis: Distribution Disruptions Spark Long Lines
On October 12 2026, petrol stations across Bali ran out of Pertalite (subsidized gasoline) and Pertamax (higher-octane fuel). Queues stretched onto main roads, some about one kilometre long, with drivers waiting up to seven hours. The shortage continued on October 13, forcing motorists to travel between stations in Denpasar, Badung, Tabanan and other districts.
Background & Context
Officials traced the shortage to a delayed tanker that suffered an anchor problem while unloading at the Sanggaran terminal, compounded by rough seas and road congestion. The delay cut the volume allocated to several stations by roughly 30–40 %. Strong demand for Pertalite and panic-buying amplified the pressure on remaining stock.
Data & Statistics
- Delivered cargo: 18,000 kl of Pertalite and 2,500 kl of Pertamax arrived on October 11.
- Planned deliveries: Three phases totalling 26,200 kl are scheduled for October 12, 14 and 16.
- Average consumption: Daily Pertalite use in Bali is about 2,200 kl.
- Queue impacts: Traffic jams up to one kilometre; wait times reported as seven hours and over an hour at individual stations.
Official Statements & Responses
Laode Sulaeman, director-general of oil and gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, called the event “purely a distribution issue” and said the delayed tanker had arrived, enabling 24-hour deliveries. Governor I Wayan Koster said depot stocks remained sufficient and urged residents not to panic, indicating normal distribution could resume by the evening of October 12. President Prabowo Subianto has kept subsidized pump prices unchanged through the end of the year to contain inflation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Motorists said the disruption halted work and tourism activities. Residents in Badung and Tabanan arrived before sunrise to find empty pumps; some had to reverse and re-enter stations as queues formed. Police deployed soldiers and traffic officers to manage crowds and keep traffic flowing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is purely a distribution issue,” — Laode Sulaeman
- “A fuel tanker was delayed, but it has now arrived and 24-hour deliveries have been underway since yesterday.” — Laode Sulaeman
- “This is really a waste of time. We should be productive, but instead we’re stuck in line,” — Made Marlianti
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Local media on October 13 reported that queues persisted, while Governor Koster later said distribution could return to normal by the evening of October 12. Sources differ on whether the anchor issue or reduced allocations and road-work congestion were the primary cause. No confirmation has been provided that all stations were fully restocked as of October 13.
What's Next
Three additional shipments are slated for October 12, 14 and 16 at the Sanggaran and Manggis terminals. Authorities expect accelerated unloading and targeted distribution to gradually ease the queues, though full normalization depends on delivery speed to the most affected districts. Residents are advised to purchase only the fuel they need and allow extra travel time while the network stabilizes.
