A fuel shortage on the popular resort island of Bali has caused significant disruptions, leading to long queues at petrol stations as tourists and locals alike struggle to refuel. Reports indicate that some individuals waited for hours, with lines stretching up to a kilometer in certain areas.

Moldovan tourist Raisa Neagu expressed her frustration after spending several hours waiting to fill up her scooter. "We were stuck with no petrol. So we couldn’t move. We had to cancel all our plans," Neagu shared. With her departure scheduled for October 21, she lamented the impact on her vacation plans, particularly her desire to explore northern Bali.

The fuel crisis has been attributed to supply disruptions, specifically delays in distribution caused by a tanker having difficulties discharging its cargo. Simon Aloysius Mantiri, the president director of state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina, confirmed the situation and issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.

In response to the crisis, Bali's governor, I Wayan Koster, reassured the public that sufficient fuel supplies are available. A tanker carrying over 22 million litres of fuel arrived on the island, which is expected to meet the demand for the next week. Koster emphasized that residents and visitors should not panic, as more shipments are anticipated to arrive soon.

To alleviate the situation, fuel stations in high-traffic tourist areas such as Denpasar and Badung will operate 24 hours a day. Additionally, deliveries from depots will continue around the clock to help reduce congestion at the pumps. However, the governor did not specify how long these measures would remain in place.

Local resident Ni Wayan Susiani, who also faced long wait times, expressed her annoyance after waiting five hours to buy fuel for her motorbike. "My hope is that this is the last day like this. Hopefully it can return to normal in the days to come," she remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many affected by the shortage.

As the situation develops, authorities are working to ensure that fuel supplies are stabilized, hoping to restore normalcy for both tourists and residents on the island.