DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Regional Police have tightened monitoring of fuel distribution, from shipments to deliveries at fuel stations, following long queues at several locations across Bali in mid-October 2026. The measures also target suspected fuel stockpiling, the resale of subsidized fuel, and retail sales conducted without the required trading permits.
Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Bali Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Wisnu Prabowo, said police were working with state-owned energy company Pertamina to oversee fuel distribution, including shipments transported by sea and their subsequent delivery to fuel stations.
Wisnu made the statement during a press conference at the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate headquarters on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event was also attended by Deputy Director of Special Criminal Investigation AKBP Chandra C. Kesuma, Operational Guidance Chief AKBP Hadi Saputra, Public Relations Subdivision Head AKBP Rina Isriana Dewi, and other police officials.
Wisnu explained that officers had been deployed to help manage traffic and prevent suspected fuel-related violations. Plainclothes detectives were also monitoring activities at fuel stations to identify suspicious practices, including the use of modified vehicles or altered fuel tanks that could be used to store unusually large quantities of fuel.
In addition to direct monitoring, police are following up on information from the public, social media, and online marketplaces to identify suspected stockpiling and the resale of fuel at prices significantly above official rates.
Pertalite Sales Outside Fuel Stations Under Scrutiny
The sale of Pertalite by independent retailers has become one of the issues drawing police attention amid increased public demand for fuel.
Wisnu said the handling of retail fuel sales must take into account the nature of the activity, including whether the fuel is merely being stored or is being resold commercially. Businesses engaged in fuel trading must comply with applicable licensing requirements.
He added that members of the public who are unfamiliar with the relevant regulations should receive guidance and education. Administrative enforcement measures will be coordinated with local governments and other relevant agencies.
The monitoring effort is intended to prevent individuals from exploiting long queues and fuel shortages to make unreasonable profits at the public's expense.
Police Distinguish Small-Scale Retail Sales from Stockpiling
Deputy Director of Special Criminal Investigation AKBP Chandra C. Kesuma said decisions on enforcement measures would be based on the results of examinations and formal case reviews.
Investigators consider the individual's history of violations, the quantity of fuel involved, each person's role, and the available evidence. Information obtained from mobile phones may also be examined when relevant to an investigation.
Chandra emphasized that small-scale sales by first-time offenders should be treated differently from suspected large-scale stockpiling carried out repeatedly for profit.
As of the October 17 press conference, Bali Regional Police and their subordinate units had taken action against 21 people in 18 cases involving alleged subsidized fuel abuse, with approximately 753 liters of fuel seized as evidence.
One case being pursued through criminal proceedings involves a man identified by the initials IS, who allegedly misused approximately 300 liters of subsidized diesel. Police suspect that the fuel was purchased using a subsidy barcode, accumulated, and subsequently resold for profit.
For minor violations committed for the first time, police may instead pursue guidance and administrative measures in coordination with local governments and relevant agencies, where permitted under applicable regulations.
Chandra said this approach reflected the principle that criminal prosecution should be a last resort when a violation can appropriately be addressed through guidance and other lawful measures.
Alleged Fuel Station Involvement Must Be Supported by Evidence
During the press conference, police were also asked about possible cooperation between fuel station employees and retailers selling fuel outside official distribution channels.
Wisnu stressed that police would not conclude that fuel station employees were involved in wrongdoing without supporting evidence.
If indications of irregularities emerge, investigators will examine the facts and available evidence before determining whether legal action should be taken against any individuals suspected of involvement.
Bali Regional Police, Pertamina, the provincial government, and other relevant agencies will continue coordinating their monitoring efforts to ensure that fuel distribution complies with applicable regulations and that subsidized fuel reaches eligible consumers.
Police have also urged members of the public to report suspected stockpiling, distribution abuses, or fuel resale at unreasonable prices so that the information can be investigated in accordance with the law.
