Snaking Queues for Fuels Occur in Bandung

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Massive queues of vehicles wanting to purchase subsidized Premium gasoline are still evident at a number of gas stations in the West Java's capital of Bandung on Monday. 

The snaking queues—comprising both motorcycles and cars alike—have taken place since early in the morning. However, as per 1 p.m. today, many vehiclists remain unserved as supplies of Premium are affected by the recent restrictions on the sales of subsidised fuels.

"Motorcycle riders usually purchase Premium at gas stations designated for use by motorcycles only, but since the restrictions took effect, many of these stations were shut down, forcing them to queue at gas stations that are usually reserved for cars," said Iwan, a gas station attendant on Jl. Laswi in Baleendah, Bandung.

The queues have been observed for the past two days as reserves of Premium began to dwindle. Some motorists have even resorted to refuelling despite running on a full-tank to anticipate an imminent shortage of fuel.

Reserves of Premium and Pertamax—a brand of non-subsidized fuel marketed by the state-run oil and gas company Pertamina—have been completely depleted at several gas stations around Bandung, including the one on Jl. Bojongsoang in Bandung regency.

"We have completely run out of Premium and Pertamax, and we are still waiting for further deliveries," said an attendant at the station. 

ANTARA