TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of gas stations in Kulon Progo district in Yogyakarta had ran out of subsidised fuel since Sunday.
"Gas station 44.556.07 in Sukoreno has run out of Premium reserves since Sunday afternoon, whereas diesel fuel is completely depleted this morning at 6 a.m.," said Sukoreno station supervisor Budi Santoso in Kulon Progo on Monday.
Budi said that the scarcity of subsidised fuels is due to the five percent reduction in supply of subsidised fuel since August 18, 2014. The problem is compounded by a fear of shortage among motorists - which led them to stockpile fuels prior to the restriction.
"This shortage will continue to happen as long as uncertainties surrounding the policy on subsidised fuel remains unaddressed," he said.
Budi said that the shortage is worsened by the collapse of Comal Bridge in Central Java, which forces trucks to re-route via the southern route - increasing demands of subsidised diesel (known locally as Solar) to exceed 7,000 litres per day.
"Demand for diesel fuel has spiked by 200 percent. Demand on a normal day is usually around 3,500 litres, whereas now demand has increased to 7,000 litres," he said.
ANTARA | ELLA SYAFPUTRI
