Sales Of Fuel In Disaster Areas Are Considered To Be Limited To Prevent Hoarding

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Banda Aceh Syiah Kuala University (USK) management expert Professor Jasman J Ma'ruf asked related parties to limit the sale of fuel oil (BBM) in disaster-affected areas in Aceh, so that all people can get fuel.

"In this emergency, sales must be limited so that all people can get them for their needs," he said in a statement received in Meulaboh, Aceh, quoted by Antara, Saturday, December 6.

According to him, the fuel restriction also aims to avoid panic and prevent speculators.

According to Jasman, the handling of fuel, especially during the emergency response, must be handled seriously.

"The important thing is that Pertamina can ensure that it cannot break up at gas stations because it will impress that there is a vacancy. And, I think Pertamina is good at supply chain oil," he continued.

Likewise, the regulation of sales to the public, for example, regulates the time of purchase, so that people do not come simultaneously.

"At the same time the number of purchases is limited according to the needs of one vehicle. Including those using jerry cans, the purchase is limited," said Jasman.

The system, according to Jasman, in addition to overcoming long queues, is believed to be able to prevent speculators from buying fuel with jerry cans.

According to him, for this emergency response, the purchase of jerry cans is indeed possible for the needs of the community generator.

However, what is feared is that purchases will be made repeatedly to be stockpiled or resold.

"That's what we're worried about," he said.

In addition, Jasman also hopes that the electricity supply from PT PLN can recover soon.

"The recovery of electricity can reduce fuel queues, because it reduces demand for generators. If electricity recovers, people don't have to queue to buy oil anymore," he said.

Previously, the Director of the NEXT Indonesia Center, Herry Gunawan, assessed that Pertamina had carried out its function as a BUMN to ensure fuel supply, including in Aceh and North Sumatra.

According to the BUMN observer, Pertamina's efforts are in line with the mandate of the BUMN Law Number 16 of 2025 concerning the obligation to provide and ensure the availability of strategic goods.

He assessed that quick steps, cross-agency coordination, and distribution mitigation strategies are proof that Pertamina is carrying out its role as a strategic SOE.

Herry also added that supply adequacy in disaster areas is an non-negotiable aspect.

For this reason, the commitment of gas stations to open 24 hours in North Sumatra, for example, is considered positive to prevent public panic.