Bali Fuel Shortage Worsens: Illegal Bottle Sellers Overcharge Foreigners as Authorities Crack Down
As fuel shortages continue at gas stations across Bali, some sellers have been illegally reselling fuel in bottles and jerry cans—including to foreign tourists—at inflated prices of Rp150,000-200,000 per 1.5 liters. Provincial authorities have called on police to crack down, and work-from-home policies have been introduced to ease related traffic congestion.
Bali's Provincial Manpower and Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (Disnaker ESDM) has confirmed that amid ongoing fuel shortages at gas stations (SPBU) across the island, some individuals have been illegally reselling fuel in bottles and jerry cans—including to foreign tourists—at inflated prices of Rp150,000-200,000 per 1.5 liters. Agency head Ida Bagus Setiawan has requested assistance from law enforcement to address the practice.
Long vehicle queues continue to be reported at gas stations throughout Bali as residents and visitors struggle to obtain fuel. While no specific regulation bans purchasing fuel in bottles or jerry cans, the agency is discouraging purchases beyond normal usage—recommending motorcycle riders limit refills to 3-5 liters and advising car drivers against filling tanks completely, so that fuel can be distributed more evenly among all consumers.
Setiawan noted that he himself experienced hours-long waits in fuel queues, underscoring that the crisis affects government officials as well as the general public. To ease severe traffic congestion linked to the fuel queues, the provincial government has implemented work-from-home (WFH) policies for some employees, though essential public services continue to operate as usual.
The agency says it is coordinating closely with the fuel distributors' association (Hiswana Migas) to ensure available stock is distributed fairly and promptly. State oil company Pertamina has assured that national and regional fuel supplies remain stable, with the key challenge being efficient logistics and distribution at the local level.
Things to Consider
Only refuel at official SPBU gas stations—avoid buying fuel in bottles or jerry cans from street vendors, as these are likely illegal, overpriced, and may pose safety or quality risks. If renting a motorbike or car, refuel in moderate amounts rather than filling the tank completely, to help ensure fair access for others. Given ongoing traffic congestion from fuel queues, allow extra travel time and consider ride-hailing apps or public transport where possible.
Source: ANTARA News Bali