Pertamina Addresses Fuel Queue Issues in Flood-Affected Regions

Fuel Availability and Distribution Challenges

PT Pertamina (Persero), Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company, has responded to the long queues observed at fuel stations in flood-affected regions of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. According to Muhammad Baron, VP of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, the queues indicate that fuel stock is still available in these areas. However, Baron noted that the situation is also influenced by panic buying among the public.

Managing Distribution During Crisis

Pertamina is facing the challenge of managing fuel distribution effectively during this crisis. The company is not only supplying fuel to regular customers but also prioritizing areas affected by the natural disaster. Baron explained that the company is working to balance the distribution between these different needs, ensuring that both regular customers and those in disaster-affected areas receive the fuel they require.

Implications for Fuel Supply and Public Behavior

The occurrence of long queues at fuel stations, even in the presence of adequate stock, highlights the impact of public perception and panic buying on fuel distribution during times of crisis. This situation underscores the need for effective communication and supply chain management by fuel providers like Pertamina to maintain public trust and ensure equitable distribution of resources.