Pertamina Ensures Sufficient Stock Amid the Increasing Vehicle Volume During Nataru

Madiun, December 25, 2023 - The surge in vehicle volume during the Nataru (Christmas and New Year) holiday coincides with vehicle volume increase at petrol stations. This heightened demand is something expected when everyone concentrates on one focal point.

It is akin to queuing for a famous noodle brand where the line stretches endlessly. It has never been reported as a scarcity condition. It seems the public's mindset regarding queues at petrol stations needs to be altered.

Ahad Rahedi, the Area Manager of Comm, Rel & CSR of Patra Niaga Jatimbalinus region, acknowledges that occasions like Lebaran (Eid Al-Fitr) and Nataru escalate transaction volumes at petrol stations. He ensures the fuel stock reliability at petrol stations has been reinforced by up to 15% compared to daily consumption before Nataru. "We have projected and increased fuel stocks across all fuel distribution institutions in Jatimbalinus. We even provide various extra services such as motorist fuel delivery service to navigate through traffic jams, mobile storage to reduce supply distances to petrol stations, and Portable (Modular) SPBUs in rest areas without any existing SPBUs," stated Ahad.

Ahad adds that when the public and media witness queues at petrol stations, they should not always perceive it as scarcity. "Stocks at petrol stations are always available. We vigilantly maintain them to prevent depletion. Therefore, queuing is normal due to the increased vehicle volume. However, we ensure that fuel is always accessible and that waiting in line is not futile. Especially for diesel, each vehicle has a refueling limit set per vehicle per day, ensuring that no one will drain the fuel beyond their car's tank capacity," Ahad explained.

The definition of fuel scarcity/LPG itself, according to Government Regulation No. 36 of 2004 concerning Downstream Oil and Gas Business Activities, is a condition where fuel/LPG stocks are depleted due to various causes, one of which is force majeure (disasters and security disturbances) that can disrupt fuel distribution routes.

Responding to queues at several Ngawi and Madiun petrol stations on toll and non-toll roads, Ahad explained that vehicles from West Java/Central Java will refuel in those areas. "Those areas are considered pockets for drivers starting from Central Java/DIY/DKI/West Java; they are estimated to refuel in those regions. Thus, the vehicle volume is significant there. Real-time stock this morning (25/12) is reported to be sufficiently safe for diesel, with an average stock of 11.7 kiloliters for Ngawi and 15 kiloliters for Madiun City and Regency," Ahad affirmed. 

To reduce queues, Pertamina urges the public to opt for non-cash payments. "Let's assist fellow gas station users in expediting queues for each other. Because everyone surely wants to reach their destination quickly and safely. Speed up queues with non-cash transactions," concluded Ahad.

Pertamina provides promotional services for every transaction using the MyPertamina app, offering an 8% cashback for the OVO e-wallet and 5% for the LinkAja e-wallet. Further information can be accessed at www.mypertamina.id.**