Indonesia

Bali Experiences Fuel Scarcity Following Tanker Issues and Harsh Sea Conditions

State energy company Pertamina has increased supplies to combat a fuel crisis that has caused long queues and travel disruptions across the island.

By Pawartaenggal Newsroom • Sunday, 25 October 2026

Motorbikes on a street in Seminyak, Bali

Photo: antwerpenR / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Since October 11, 2026, Bali has experienced a significant fuel shortage that has been documented by WhatsNewIndonesia along with various news and travel reports. The lack of supply was attributed to distribution delays, rough sea conditions, and a technical problem involving the anchor of a tanker ship. As a result of these complications, long lines formed at fueling stations in several major regions, including Denpasar, Badung, Kuta, Tabanan, and Gianyar.

The state-owned energy company, Pertamina, took action to stabilize the situation by sending an additional 26,200 kiloliters of fuel on October 12, 14, and 16. These emergency supplies were moved through the Manggis and Sanggaran terminals. According to reports from the news agency Antara, approximately 48 million liters of Pertalite fuel were also distributed between October 7 and October 17. In an effort to mitigate the crisis and manage traffic at stations, an odd-even vehicle policy was put into effect.

The shortage created measurable challenges for the local hospitality and service sectors. A survey performed by IHGMA Bali from October 14 to October 17, which included 259 respondents per question, revealed the extent of the problem. A total of 241 respondents reported delays involving their staff members, while 228 noted that tourist travel had been disrupted. Addressing these concerns on October 16, Governor Wayan Koster remarked that "tourism is safe."

Laode Sulaeman, the Director General of Oil and Gas, clarified the nature of the situation by describing the shortage as "purely a distribution issue." While the congestion at fuel stations began to ease across much of Bali between October 17 and October 19, some areas faced a slower recovery. On October 18, significant queues were still being reported in Buleleng and Jembrana, even as other districts started to see relief.

Source: WhatsNewIndonesia

Bali Experiences Fuel Scarcity Following Tanker Issues and Harsh Sea Conditions

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