Diesel Fuel Consumption Down Before Eid

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Regulatory Agency for Upstream Oil and Gas (BPH Migas) Andy Noorsaman Sommeng confirmed there are no problem in the supply and distribution of fuel before Eid. “It’s safe, no problem," said Andi in his office, Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

Andi explained, Premium gasoline consumption rate near Eid season increased by 18 percent compared to the daily average of 70 thousand kiloliters. "This Eid, consumption could reach 83 thousand kiloliters per day."

While the need for diesel fuel decreased 11 percent from the daily average of 37 thousand kiloliters to 33 kiloliters. The decline, said Andi, is caused by the shift from diesel to premium markets. "Because the price is not much different," he said.

Therefore, BPH Migas was working with Pertamina to anticipate Premium consumption by replacing the underground fuel tank in fuel stations.

According to Andi, Pertamina, will also increase the stand-by tank trucks in points prone to congestion, such as in the North Coast track and contraflow lanes to anticipate stagnantion of Pertamina tanks due to congestion. "Pertamina will sell Pertamax gasoline cans," he said.

Andi added, there is nothing to worry about in terms of fuel distribution. Every precaution has been taken either by BPH Migas and Pertamina as the operator of the fuel distributor.

DEVY ERNIS