JAKARTA – After fuel shortages disrupted several areas in Riau last week, the impact of fuel shortage in Indonesia has since spread to Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan and Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, where long lines have formed at gas stations as motorists scramble to secure fuel.

In Palangkaraya, several gas stations operated by state-owned energy company Pertamina have run out of non-subsidised RON92 fuel, known as Pertamax, while others have seen lines of vehicles stretching onto main roads.

Motorists report waiting up to an hour to refuel, with some leaving empty-handed despite prolonged lines.

To address the ongoing shortages, Palangkaraya Mayor Fairid Naparin issued a circular on May 5 introducing daily purchase limits on fuel at all gas stations across the city.

Under the policy, private cars are allowed to buy up to 200,000 rupiah (S$14.6) of subsidised Pertalite per day, equivalent to around 20 litres, and up to 400,000 rupiah of Pertamax, or approximately 32.5 litres.

Motorcycles are limited to 50,000 rupiah of Pertalite daily, or about 5 litres, and 100,000 rupiah of Pertamax, equivalent to roughly 8 litres.

“This measure is aimed at ensuring that fuel distribution remains equitable across Palangka Raya,” Mr Fairid said on May 6, as quoted by Kompas.com

In the circular, Mr Fairid also instructed fuel station operators to refuse service to vehicles with modified or enlarged fuel tanks, as well as those attempting repeated refuelling.

He further imposed a blanket ban on fuel purchases using jerrycans or drums intended for resale, with exceptions only for the agriculture and fisheries sectors, and only when supported by official recommendation letters.

The mayor also barred government vehicles from ...