Bali Hit by Gasoline Shortage: Tourists and Residents Camp Out or Use Horses to Get Around

Bali is experiencing a gasoline shortage believed to be caused by distribution disruptions from bad weather, leading to long lines at gas stations. Some people have resorted to camping out while waiting to refuel, while others have turned to horses for transportation, drawing attention on social media.

A serious gasoline shortage has hit Bali, Indonesia, becoming a major topic of discussion on social media. Bali-based cartoonist Amatul Kina (@ama_kina) shared illustrations depicting the chaotic situation on the ground.

According to the posts, long queues have formed at gas stations, with some people pitching tents to wait their turn for fuel. Others, unable to obtain gasoline, have resorted to traveling by horse, highlighting how disrupted transportation has become across the island.

The shortage appears to be largely due to distribution disruptions caused by bad weather. Since motorbikes and cars are the primary means of transportation in Bali, the fuel shortage directly affects the daily mobility of both tourists and residents. It remains unclear when the situation will be resolved.

Things to Consider

If using a rental motorbike or car, fill up with gasoline early and build extra buffer time into your travel plans. Expect long waits at gas stations, so depart earlier than planned or use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab as an alternative transportation option. Check with hotel staff or local social media for the latest updates on fuel availability.