The immediate effect on local energy security has been a strain on retail availability, though authorities state that supplies are being progressively restored. Ida Bagus Setiawan, head of Bali’s Manpower and Energy and Mineral Resources Agency, confirmed that the disruption stems from a technical diversion involving the Pesanggaran depot and the Manggis Transit Terminal. He stated that the flow of fuel from these facilities is currently being restored gradually, but availability continues to vary significantly between different locations in the province.
Residents have reported extreme measures to secure fuel during the peak of the shortage. One resident described the situation at a service station on Jalan Raya Sesetan in Denpasar, where Pertalite stocks had completely run out. “My wife lined up at 4.30am and waited for two-and-a-half hours before finally being able to refuel. It’s crazy,” the resident said. Similar scenes were observed across Kuta and other parts of southern Badung, where queues persisted for nearly 24 hours in some instances.
Officials are working directly with fuel supplier Pertamina and local distributors to normalize distribution channels. However, authorities noted that they are still awaiting more detailed information regarding the specific cause of the distribution disruption and its broader impact on overall fuel availability. The technical diversion appears to have temporarily bottlenecked the supply chain, leading to the visible scarcity at retail outlets.
This current shortage follows similar disruptions that occurred in late August, when fuel supply issues also led to long queues at service stations across parts of Bali. The recurrence of these distribution problems highlights vulnerabilities in the local fuel logistics network. While the immediate crisis is being managed through coordinated efforts between government agencies and Pertamina, the full restoration of normal stock levels remains a work in progress.
As distribution channels reopen, motorists are advised to monitor local station availability, as stocks may remain unevenly distributed for the near future. The provincial energy agency continues to track the recovery of the Pesanggaran and Manggis facilities to ensure a stable and consistent supply of Pertalite and Pertamax to the island’s population.
