After fuel shortages disrupted several areas in Riau last week, the impact of fuel shortage in the country has since spread to Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan, where long lines have formed at petrol stations as motorists scramble to secure fuel.
In Palangkaraya, several petrol stations operated by state-owned energy company Pertamina have run out of non-subsidised RON92 fuel, known as Pertamax.
Palangkaraya Mayor Fairid Naparin issued a circular on Tuesday introducing daily purchase limits on fuel at all petrol stations across the city.
Under the policy, private cars are allowed to buy up to 200,000 rupiah (RM45) of subsidised Pertalite per day, equivalent to around 20 litres, and up to 400,000 rupiah (RM90) of Pertamax, or approximately 32.5 litres.
“This measure is aimed at ensuring that fuel distribution remains equitable across Palangkaraya,” Fairid said on Wednesday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
The mayor also barred government vehicles from using subsidised fuels such as Pertalite and biosolar.
“The regulation is exempted for public service vehicles such as ambulances, hearses and municipal waste transport vehicles,” he said.
Despite reports of fuel shortages across several provinces, Pertamina has insisted that national fuel supplies remain secure.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia also said last week that Indonesia’s national fuel stocks remain secure, and that crude oil stocks for domestic refinery operations are in a safe condition. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
