TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - During the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period, Pertamax consumption increased by 26.3 percent in the regions of East Java, Bali, and the Lesser Sunda Islands (Jatimbalinus). This increase exceeded the initial predictions.

"The increase occurred from March 25 to April 11, 2023. The figure is higher than the initial prediction of 13.5 percent for the Pertamax Series," said the Area Manager of Communication, Relation & CSR of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi in a written statement on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Ahad stated that the increase occurred because consumers tend to choose high quality fuel during festive seasons and long weekends. This is because consumers are afraid of encountering vehicle problems in the middle of the road.

"The highest consumption of Pertamax Series occurred on Saturday, April 6, 2024, during the peak of the exodus, reaching 26.8 percent. Meanwhile, the peak of the return flow is predicted to be on Saturday, April 13, 2024," said Ahad.

Ahad continued that the conditions at gas stations (SPBU) in Jatimbalinus are relatively calm. This is because consumers have started to use cashless payments, effectively reducing queues.

Nevertheless, Pertamina Patra Niaga remains vigilant during the return flow period. Moreover, Jatimbalinus will be the starting point for travelers, especially those from East Java and Bali who will begin their journey westward.

"We have increased the stock of fuel and LPG by up to 30 percent," he added.

Separately, Pertamina Patra Niaga's Corporate Secretary, Irto Ginting, added that Gasoline consumption increased by 46 percent nationwide. Meanwhile, Diesel decreased by 37 percent due to restrictions on the period of travel for general logistics trucks.

"The highest increase in gasoline consumption occurred with Pertamax Turbo, reaching 104 percent. We continue to monitor the consumption of fuel and LPG because tourist locations are usually crowded by people after the D-day," explained Irto.

HANAA SEPTIANA

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