Police Deploy Officers to Manage Fuel Crisis
Bali's newly appointed police chief has launched a comprehensive response to the fuel shortage crisis gripping the island, deploying officers to manage long queues at gas stations and escort fuel shipments as shortages enter their fourth day.
Irjen Pol. Pasma Royce, who assumed his position as Kapolda Bali on October 9, 2026, announced his commitment to maintaining public security and order through the Polisi Bersama Masyarakat program. Beyond optimizing police presence in communities, Polda Bali has dispatched personnel to regulate queues at gas stations and escort fuel distribution to ensure traffic flow and support the tourism sector.
Fuel Shortage Impacts Tourist Destinations
The fuel shortage began on Sunday, October 11, 2026, affecting multiple gas stations across Bali. According to Pertamina, the crisis was triggered by a surge in average Pertalite consumption on the island, which reached approximately 2,200 kiloliters per day. The disruption particularly impacted popular tourist destinations including Uluwatu and Ubud, as well as several gas stations near I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.
In the Badung regency, motorists faced waits exceeding one hour on Monday, October 12, with lines spilling onto roads and disrupting traffic. The situation proved even more severe in Jembrana regency, where 14 service stations were affected, forcing residents to push their stalled motorcycles.
The crisis carries significant implications for Bali's tourism-dependent economy. The island recorded approximately 578,251 direct foreign visitor arrivals in May 2026, with tourism representing a critical economic sector.
Government and Pertamina Response
Pertamina Patra Niaga has scheduled the arrival of fuel tankers on October 12, 14, and 16, 2026, with vessels docking at the Sanggaran and Manggis fuel terminals carrying a total cargo of up to 26,200 kiloliters. Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced that fuel distribution to all regions of Bali began on Monday evening, October 12, 2026.
The shortage has attracted national political attention. On October 14, 2026, Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani called on Pertamina and relevant ministries to increase fuel supplies and strengthen distribution to service points in Bali.
The police response includes both traffic management at affected stations and security escorts for fuel shipments, aimed at ensuring smooth distribution and preventing disruptions to the island's vital tourism industry. Irjen Pol. Pasma Royce, who replaced Irjen Daniel Adityajaya following his appointment through Kapolri Letter No. ST/2205/X/KEP/2026 dated October 2, 2026, has made addressing the fuel crisis a priority in his first week of leadership.
