SINGARAJA, BALINEWS — Bali Governor Wayan Koster has urged police to take firm action against fuel hoarding and called on PT Pertamina Patra Niaga to prioritize fuel supplies to the island amid public concerns over fuel availability and long queues at several gas stations.
“We have asked the Bali Police to take firm action against fuel hoarders and fuel retailers,” Koster said in a telephone interview on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Koster emphasized that a reliable fuel supply is essential to maintaining daily activities, transportation services, and Bali’s tourism industry, one of the island’s key economic sectors.
He said he had also asked Pertamina Patra Niaga, the company responsible for fuel distribution, to prioritize supplies to Bali to help meet the needs of residents and visitors.
The presence of informal fuel vendors, locally referred to as “shadow gas stations,” has also drawn attention amid concerns about fuel distribution. Their activities have raised questions about regulatory compliance, distribution oversight, and the possibility of fuel hoarding.
Authorities are expected to monitor fuel distribution and take appropriate action against any parties found to have violated applicable regulations.
Queues Reportedly Easing After Purchase Restrictions
Previously, the Bali Provincial Government had asked Pertamina to take measures to reduce vehicle queues at gas stations. The proposed measures included limiting purchase volumes and implementing an odd-even license plate system for subsidized fuel purchases.
The request was set out in letter No. B.21.500.1/16673/V/DISNAKER.ESDM, addressed to the Executive General Manager of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Jatimbalinus Regional Office on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Following the introduction of purchase restrictions and the odd-even system, queues at several gas stations were reported to have begun easing. However, the situation remains dependent on fuel availability and the effectiveness of distribution in individual areas.
The provincial government hopes that coordination with Pertamina and law enforcement agencies will help stabilize supplies and prevent further disruption to residents, businesses, transportation, and tourism activities.
Viral Video Draws Public Attention
Amid the fuel supply concerns, a video involving Koster and a female gas station attendant circulated on social media, prompting public discussion.
Information accompanying the video alleges that the footage circulating online was edited, with the opening segment omitted, potentially shaping public perceptions of the incident.
However, the circumstances surrounding the video cannot be conclusively established from the information provided. A full recording, a verified timeline of events, and statements from the people involved would be needed to establish the context.
A careful review of the complete footage and independent verification are therefore important before drawing conclusions about the incident.
Ensuring Reliable Fuel Distribution
The provincial government hopes that improved coordination, closer monitoring, and appropriate law enforcement measures will help restore stable fuel distribution across Bali.
A reliable fuel supply is essential not only for residents’ daily transportation needs but also for businesses and the tourism sector, which supports livelihoods across the island.
As Bali addresses concerns over fuel availability, transparent communication and fact-based reporting remain important to ensuring that the public receives accurate information about the situation and the measures being taken.
