Alleged Panic Buying, Borong Action And Hoarding Fuel In West Aceh Caused Oil Stocks To Run Out

Hundreds of jerry cans belonging to the community were displayed in front of the 14,236,100 gas station on Jalan Manekroo Meulaboh, West Aceh Regency. The rise of fuel purchases and allegations of subsidized fuel hoarding so far has resulted in fuel stocks at each gas station being depleted in a matter of hours every day, Saturday (6/12/2025). ANTARA/Teuku Dedi Iskandar

JAKARTA - The wholesale action and allegations of hoarding fuel oil (BBM) at a number of Pertamina Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) in Meulaboh, the capital city of West Aceh Regency, have caused fuel stocks at empty gas stations throughout Saturday, December 6.

"We hope from related parties to immediately limit the purchase of fuel, both types of Pertalite and non-subsidized fuel so that congestion on roads and fuel queues can end soon," said Deni Setiawan, a resident of Meulaboh, West Aceh Regency, quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, December 7.

He said the impact of the queue at gas stations in West Aceh had caused disruption of traffic flow, as it caused long traffic jams on the highway.

Pertamina and local governments as well as law enforcement officials, he said, must be present at every gas station in West Aceh, to cut off long lines of fuel.

In addition, said Deni Setiawan, the public asked law enforcement and local governments to take action against retail fuel traders who sell fuel to consumers at prices above normal.

"Give them strict educational action," he said.

Deni also asked local governments to provide education at every gas station in West Aceh, so that people no longer queue for fuel because of the panic situation.

"This panic occurs because there is government communication that does not reach the community due to disruption of social media networks, so that people's panic cannot be dammed," he said.

Deni said that based on information received, the fuel stock is sufficient if the use is not excessive due to panic effects.

Previously, Committee BPH Migas Fathul Nugroho said that in disaster conditions like this, the reasonable fuel consumption from the community was very helpful so that supply could be divided evenly.

Fathul Nugroho emphasized the importance of maintaining the purchase order at gas stations and asked the public to use a measured fuel consumption pattern as needed

"We urge the public not to make excessive purchases or panic buying. Measured consumption patterns will accelerate the recovery of fuel services in Aceh," he said.