Key facts
- Severe fuel shortages have caused long queues at petrol stations across Bali.
- Distribution bottlenecks and high demand are cited as causes for the shortages.
- The disruption began on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Informal roadside fuel sellers have increased prices.
- Electric motorbike rentals have seen a surge in demand.
- The shortages threaten Bali's tourism economy.
Motorists and tourists across Indonesia's resort island of Bali have faced hours-long queues at petrol stations in recent days due to severe fuel shortages. The disruption, which began on Sunday, October 11, 2026, has been attributed to distribution bottlenecks and surging demand, impacting residents who rely on motorbikes for transport and work, as well as the island's crucial tourism economy.
Local media reported long queues in the capital Denpasar, Badung, and Tabana, with traffic congestion and some motorists pushing vehicles. Christine Nababan, a resident with a catering business, described spending nearly three hours queuing, disrupting her work. Diving operator Komang Agus and a foreign guest were stranded for two hours, risking missing a boat connection.
The fuel distribution disruption is reportedly caused by delays in state-owned Pertamina's tanker arrivals. Pertamina Patra Niaga, the company's fuel distribution arm, adjusted delivery schedules, and tanker delays at terminals disrupted supplies amid strong demand. The company stated that fuel consumption in Bali averages about 2,200 kiloliters a day and that it was monitoring stocks and optimizing deliveries.
Despite assurances from Bali Governor I Wayan Koster on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, that the shortage was under control, the disruption persisted. The shortages have also led to increased prices at informal roadside fuel sellers. The situation threatens travel for tourists and the businesses that depend on them. Bali welcomed about five million foreign tourists in the first half of 2026, generating approximately US$10.7 billion in tourism-related foreign-exchange earnings, representing about 55% of Indonesia's total.
In response to the petrol shortage, demand for electric motorbike rentals has surged, with operators like Cyntia Jasmine reporting a significant increase in inquiries. Jasmine has raised rental rates to 195,000 rupiah (US$10.90) per day from 150,000 rupiah and imposed a minimum three-day booking.