BBM Queues in Medan Ease, Expert Warns of Pertamax-to-Pertalite Shift

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Long queues at several fuel stations (SPBU) across Medan gradually eased on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Although fuel distribution has appeared significantly more stable, complaints from businesses regarding the previous shortage remain an important concern to prevent a similar situation from occurring again.

The North Sumatra economic observer, Gunawan Benjamin, said conditions at several fuel stations in Medan had improved considerably compared with the situation at the beginning of the week. According to him, the improvement in fuel distribution has been the main factor behind the normalization of conditions on the ground.

"Based on my observations today (Saturday), queues at fuel stations are now much more controlled. The situation has improved significantly compared with the findings at the beginning of this week. Conditions are starting to stabilize. If Pertamina can consistently maintain the current distribution system, BBM queues will no longer occur in the near future," he said.

BBM Supply Begins to Stabilize

Gunawan explained that monitoring at several fuel stations in Medan showed fuel availability had improved. As a result, consumers no longer had to face long queues like those experienced in previous days.

He emphasized that maintaining stable distribution is an important step that must continue to be carried out by relevant authorities. If supply runs smoothly, pressure on the public and businesses that rely heavily on fuel availability can be reduced.

At the same time, Gunawan reminded the government and Pertamina not to ignore complaints from residents and business operators who previously experienced difficulties obtaining BBM. An investigation into the causes of the shortages is needed to prevent similar problems in the future.

Pertamax-to-Pertalite Shift Drives Higher Demand

Gunawan explained that one of the factors behind the previous long queues was the increasing demand for Pertalite after many consumers switched from Pertamax to the subsidized fuel. This shift has significantly increased demand for government-subsidized BBM.

Based on discussions with several fuel station operators in Medan, Gunawan said operators frequently requested additional Pertalite supplies because public demand had risen substantially.

"Especially after the previous increase in the Pertamax price, many people began switching to Pertalite. This shift will increase the burden of BBM compensation in the State Budget (APBN). Instead of creating savings through the Pertamax price increase, this migration could instead place significant pressure on state finances and Pertamina," he added.

According to him, the change in consumption patterns from non-subsidized fuel to subsidized BBM creates additional pressure on the state budget. The government had previously increased Pertamax prices as part of efficiency measures, but changes in consumer behavior could instead increase the subsidy burden.

Subsidized Fuel Prices Face External Challenges

Gunawan assessed that the government's plan to maintain stable subsidized fuel prices until the end of the year faces various challenges. Apart from external factors, high national fuel demand is also an issue requiring serious attention.

He stated that the government must maintain a balance between ensuring sufficient supply, keeping prices stable, and maintaining the state's financial capacity to fund BBM subsidies.

"The government's commitment to ensuring the availability and stability of subsidized fuel supply and prices is currently being tested," he emphasized.

Gunawan hoped the government and Pertamina could continue maintaining fuel distribution stability so that the public would not again experience difficulties accessing fuel. He added that monitoring consumer behavior was also important to detect significant increases in subsidized fuel demand at an early stage.

With queues now decreasing, he hopes the positive trend will continue sustainably. This would allow public activities and the economic sector in North Sumatra to return to normal without being disrupted by fuel supply issues. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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