North Sumatera Police Chief: Subsidized Fuel Should Not Be Misused

Medan, March 31, 2022 – North Sumatera Police Chief Inspector General RZ Panca Putra Simanjuntak with Pertamina Patra Niaga Sumbagut Region and Hiswana Migas have discussed the distribution of subsidized diesel fuel at several petrol stations.

"Pertamina will fulfill the community's need for diesel, and we urge that diesel purchase, especially the fuel subsidized by the government, should not be misused," said Panca on Wednesday (30/3).

He admitted that community activities had increased quite a bit before the holy month of Ramadan, he asked Pertamina to provide the fuel. He has also formed a team to carry out supervision in the field and will take action against anyone who deviates by buying fuel that is not according to the regulations.

"It is clear that there are regulations. Industry players are not allowed to buy diesel by using subsidized prices. They are required to buy fuel according to its designation, namely industrial fuel," he said.

On the same occasion, Acting Executive General Manager of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Sumbagut Region, Himawan, said his party would continue to provide diesel fuel and ensure its availability at petrol stations.

"We ask the public to be wise in buying subsidized fuel according to its designation, private cars, and industrial cars are encouraged to buy non-subsidized diesel fuel, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex," said Himawan.

He admitted, throughout 2022, North Sumatera received a biodiesel quota of approximately 1.07 million Kilo Liters (KL). Petrol stations that sell subsidized diesel fuel that is not in line with its designation will be sanctioned.

Meanwhile, two petrol stations sell subsidized fuel that is not intended for use in Medan City.

"Currently, Pertamina is conducting a relaxation in the diesel fuel distribution following the needs of people in North Sumatera," he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of the Hiswana Migas Petrol Station of North Sumatera, Indah Sari Karokaro, emphasized that her party was obedient to government regulations and Pertamina, the working partner. She hopes that before Ramadan, the subsidized fuel quota will be increased by 10 percent.

"Solar distribution is monitored 24 hours a day via CCTV. Especially with the digitization system and now all police numbers, cellphone numbers can all be investigated to the center," said Indah.**