Residents of Ponorogo Complain about Subsidized Fuel Scarcity, Triggering Long Queues at Gas Stations
Gas stations in Ponorogo, East Java, experience scarcity of subsidized Pertalite and Diesel, forcing residents to queue for long periods or switch to Pertamax.
By Pramita Kusumaningrum | Editor: Cak Sur
SURYA.CO.ID, PONOROGO – Residents of Ponorogo Regency, East Java, are complaining about the scarcity of subsidized fuel types Pertalite and Diesel at several gas stations since Friday (26/4/2026). This phenomenon has caused long queues at locations that still have stock and forced residents to switch to non-subsidized fuel.
Impact of Scarcity on Vehicle Users
Empty stock was observed at several locations, such as SPBU Keniten, SPBU Pasar Pon, and SPBU Jeruksing. Gas station managers have installed information boards stating "Fuel in Delivery" to inform consumers that Pertalite and Diesel are temporarily unavailable.
One resident, Mia Kusuma, admitted that she was forced to fill up with Pertamax because Pertalite was not available when she needed it.
"There was some earlier but the queue was long, I didn't want to wait. When it was less busy, Pertalite was empty," said Mia when met by Surya.co.id at SPBU Keniten.
Price Comparison and Resident Complaints
Meanwhile, at SPBU Sinduro, the queue for Pertalite stretched all the way to the main road. Yeyek Sayekti, a local resident, stated that she was forced to join the long queue because of the significant price difference.
- Pertamax price: Rp16,250 per liter.
- Pertalite price: Rp10,000 per liter.
"I initially kept filling with Pertamax, but it felt more wasteful. Buying 1 liter of Pertamax could buy 1.6 liters of Pertalite," said Yeyek.
According to her, if the stock at the gas station is truly empty, residents often have to buy from street vendors or Pertamini at prices ranging from Rp12,000 to Rp13,000 per liter.
Response from Pertamina
Responding to the situation in the field, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, ensured that the distribution of subsidized fuel is running normally. The company stated that it continues to optimize the energy supply chain through integrated infrastructure support.
"Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to conduct real-time monitoring of stock conditions and fuel distribution across all regions, so that community needs can be met properly," said Roberth.
Pertamina is also committed to managing the distribution fleet so that no supply disruptions occur at the distributor level.
Conclusion: Although residents of Ponorogo experienced difficulties in obtaining Pertalite and Diesel, Pertamina emphasized that distribution remains normal and the supply monitoring system continues to be optimized.
Source: Surya
