North Sumatra Fuel is Scarce, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Adds Tank Trucks and Daily Supply

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that it would increase the daily stock of fuel oil (BBM) to overcome scarcity in the North Sumatra region (Sumut).

Director General of Oil and Gas (Dirjen Migas), Laode Sulaeman, said the government would also increase the number of tanker trucks so that there would be no long queues.

"The daily stock is added. How many trucks are usually added," said Laode when met in Saumlaki, Thursday, July 16.

However, Laode ensured that the addition of these tanker trucks would not increase the subsidized fuel quota that had been set in the APBN.

Previously, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga ensured that fuel distribution services at all SPBU in the Medan area and its surroundings were now operating normally.

VP Corporate Communication Pertamina Patra Niaga, Kitty Andhora, said the increase in fuel needs in recent days occurred in line with the increase in community activities, including the resumption of school and office activities which encouraged an increase in mobility.

"As community activities increase, the need for fuel in Medan also increases by about 5-10 percent compared to the daily average. We will immediately increase distribution capacity by adding a fleet of tank cars, strengthening distribution personnel, and optimizing operations so that service at gas stations is now back to normal," said Kitty in a statement to the media.

As a step to accelerate distribution, Pertamina Patra Niaga added 10 operational tank cars, 30 spot charter tank cars, and strengthened distribution personnel with an additional 34 Tank Car Crew (AMT) from the nearest Fuel Terminal and support from 16 personnel from Bekangdam.

The company also continues to conduct training and disciplinary action against all operational partners to ensure that the distribution process runs according to safety, compliance, and reliability standards.

In addition, the operation of the Medan Fuel Terminal and a number of SPBU is optimized for 24 hours to accelerate the distribution of fuel to the public.

The effort yielded positive results. On July 14, 2026, the realization of the distribution of 104 percent of the daily target, with the operation of 149 tank cars or 115 percent.

Currently, the Medan Fuel Terminal operation has been running normally and all the fuel distribution process to SPBU is running smoothly.

Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to coordinate with local governments, security forces, and all stakeholders to ensure the reliability of energy supply for the community.

"We appreciate the support of all parties who have helped accelerate distribution. Currently, the Medan gas station service has been operating normally with fuel stocks in a safe condition. We urge the public to buy fuel according to their needs so that distribution continues to run optimally," concluded Kitty.