What Caused Fuel Shortage, Long Queues in Makassar? - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the fuel shortage in Makassar, South Sulawesi, has been resolved and supplies have been fully restored.
“Thank God, what happened yesterday in Makassar has been resolved and addressed, and I have reported it to the President,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, September 17.
Bahlil stated that national fuel stocks remain secure. The government has maintained a minimum national requirement of 18 to 20 days.
According to him, one factor causing fuel queues in Makassar was a shift in consumption from non-subsidized to subsidized fuel. This shift occurred in tandem with rising global crude prices, which have topped US$100 per barrel.
“We know that global prices are not in good condition right now. They have reached over 100 US dollars per barrel. So, this will definitely impact on national pricing, as we haven't increased our subsidized fuel prices,” he explained.
Bahlil elaborated that this widening price gap prompted consumers who previously purchased non-subsidized fuel to switch to subsidized alternatives. Furthermore, he cited police findings regarding alleged hoarding and misuse of subsidized fuel, which exacerbated long queues at several filling stations.
He noted that certain vehicles had been illegally modified with oversized tanks, some capable of holding 700 liters to a full metric ton, to hoard fuel.
Bahlil stated that President Prabowo Subianto directed the issue to be addressed immediately. The government continues to coordinate closely with state oil firm Pertamina, which handles field implementation of fuel distribution policies.
“We must execute the directive immediately. We know that the government acts as the regulator. The executor in the field is Pertamina. So, I keep coordinating with Pertamina,” Bahlil said.
He also urged wealthier citizens to refrain from consuming subsidized fuel, emphasizing that the aid is intended strictly for eligible groups. “Our brothers and sisters who are well-off, who drive nice cars, please do so. This subsidy is for those who are entitled to it,” Bahlil concluded.
