Bali Voices : Bali Fuel Shortage, IWO Suspects Repeat Purchases and Possible Involvement of Gas Station Staff

BALI – The shortage of Pertalite and Pertamax fuel in Bali entered its fourth day on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with long queues still reported at several gas stations across Denpasar and Badung Regency. The situation has also triggered traffic congestion on several major roads.

Amid the ongoing shortage, the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO Bali) has raised concerns over suspected repeated fuel purchases for resale at exorbitant prices and alleged irregularities involving gas station personnel.

Reports from the field indicate that some residents are selling fuel in bottles at prices ranging from IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000 for 1.5 liters. There are also reports of fuel being offered on online marketplaces for as much as IDR 500,000, although these claims require further verification.

Long Queues Reported Across Denpasar and Badung Long lines of vehicles remain visible at several gas stations in Denpasar, including areas around Hayam Wuruk, Renon, Marlboro, Sesetan, Sidakarya, Ahmad Yani, Gatot Subroto Tengah, Ubung, and East Denpasar.

Similar conditions have been reported in South Kuta, Badung Regency, where queues have contributed to traffic congestion.

Based on its field observations, IWO Bali found that some consumers had chosen not to queue because of the long waiting times at gas stations.

IWO Bali Chairperson Tri Widiyanti suspects that certain individuals may be purchasing fuel repeatedly and reselling it at significantly higher prices, potentially worsening the shortage for ordinary consumers.

“There are suspected cases of people buying fuel repeatedly, with some reportedly making as many as three purchases. Why? Because they can resell it at extraordinary prices,” Tri Widiyanti said in Denpasar on Thursday.

She added that IWO Bali had received reports from Canggu about 1.5-liter bottles of fuel being sold for IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000. Claims of prices reaching IDR 500,000 on online marketplaces have also circulated.

Tri Widiyanti, who is commonly known as Widy, said the alleged practice must be investigated because residents are struggling to obtain fuel for their daily activities.

IWO Bali Raises Concerns Over Possible Gas Station Irregularities Beyond suspected repeat purchases and fuel resale, IWO Bali has also received information alleging that certain gas station employees may have supplied relatively large quantities of fuel to specific businesses or locations linked to them through personal relationships.

“We have received information that some gas station personnel may be involved in irregular practices. They allegedly supply considerable quantities of fuel to a particular location connected to their friends,” said Widy a journalist with Metrobali.co.id.

However, IWO Bali stressed that the allegations involving both individuals and gas station personnel have not yet been independently verified.

The organization is calling for a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to establish whether any distribution violations have occurred.

IWO Bali Urges Pertamina to Investigate Fuel Distribution IWO Bali has urged state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) to investigate the reported allegations and examine whether fuel distribution in Bali is being carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.

“We hope Pertamina will investigate whether there really are gas station personnel involved in these practices. We are already suffering from this situation. How can anyone take advantage of a fuel shortage to make personal profits?” Widy said.

She emphasized that fuel distribution oversight must be strengthened to ensure available supplies reach the public fairly and are not diverted for private gain. The organization also called for greater transparency and accountability in fuel distribution, particularly while residents and businesses face difficulties securing Pertalite and Pertamax.

As of Thursday, October 15, 2026, the alleged fuel resale practices and possible involvement of gas station personnel remain unverified. Confirmation from Pertamina and the relevant authorities is needed to establish the facts and determine whether any violations have taken place.