Fuel shortages across Bali are leaving petrol stations empty and motorists stranded. Beyond the long queues, the crisis raises concerns about transport, tourism and an island heavily dependent on road deliveries.
An Island Running Short of Fuel
Bali is facing a growing fuel supply crisis, with petrol stations running dry across Denpasar, Badung, Tabanan and Jembrana. Since early October, motorists have encountered empty pumps, unexpected closures and increasingly long queues. Both Pertalite, Indonesia’s subsidised petrol, and the more expensive Pertamax have been affected.
By October 12, the situation had become particularly difficult in several parts of southern Bali. Drivers moved between petrol stations hoping to find available fuel, often encountering similar shortages elsewhere. According to Detik Bali, some motorists waited more than an hour, with one reporting approximately 80 minutes at a station in Mengwi. Queues extending onto surrounding roads have added congestion to an already heavily trafficked island.
Supply Disruptions Behind the Crisis
The shortages appear linked to logistical difficulties affecting fuel deliveries and distribution. According to Bali Police, delayed tanker arrivals and reduced allocations contributed to supply problems in southern Badung.
Some petrol stations reportedly received 30–40% less fuel than usual. In Tabanan, Bali Post reported reductions reaching 50%. Such significant decreases can quickly destabilise local distribution, particularly when drivers begin searching for alternative stations. However, the full origin of the disruption remains unclear, and Pertamina has not publicly explained every factor behind the shortages.
Beyond the Petrol Stations
The crisis raises broader concerns for Bali’s economy and daily life. The island depends on road transport to maintain its tourism industry, distribute goods and connect communities. Hotels require regular deliveries, restaurants depend on fresh produce, and thousands of workers rely on motorcycles or cars to reach their workplaces.
Prolonged shortages could affect school transportation, tourism operators, delivery services and small businesses. Drivers who earn their living transporting passengers or goods are especially exposed to interruptions and additional waiting time. Although widespread closures have not been confirmed, the situation demonstrates how quickly disruptions in fuel distribution can threaten essential services across an island heavily dependent on tourism.
Long Queues and Growing Safety Concerns
The pressure is also visible on Bali’s roads. Queues outside petrol stations have created additional traffic congestion, forcing police to monitor busy locations and manage vehicle movements. In some areas, motorists have waited alongside roads already carrying significant daily traffic.
Police have increased their presence to prevent disorder and monitor possible fuel hoarding. While authorities maintain that the situation is being managed, prolonged queues create practical safety concerns, particularly for motorcyclists and other road users. Reports of accidents directly linked to the shortages have not been independently established.
Emergency Deliveries and an Uncertain Recovery
Pertamina has announced additional shipments to restore supplies across the island. According to ANTARA News, 20.5 million litres of petrol arrived on October 11, with another 26.2 million litres scheduled between October 12 and 16.
These deliveries should gradually replenish petrol stations, although shortages may persist locally while distribution catches up with demand. For Bali, the episode highlights a broader challenge: maintaining reliable essential supplies on an island where mobility, tourism and everyday economic activity depend so heavily on fuel.
Did You Know?
Bali’s fuel supply relies partly on major distribution facilities at Manggis, in Karangasem, and Sanggaran, near Denpasar. Interruptions in shipments or local distribution can rapidly affect petrol stations across several districts.
FAQ
Delayed deliveries and reduced distribution allocations have contributed to shortages. The complete causes remain under investigation.
Shortages have been reported in Denpasar, Badung, Tabanan and Jembrana.
Some drivers have reported waits exceeding one hour, including approximately 80 minutes at one station in Mengwi.
Yes. Transport operators, hotels, restaurants and delivery services depend on regular fuel supplies, although widespread closures have not been confirmed.
Pertamina has scheduled additional deliveries through October 16. The timing of full recovery remains uncertain.
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