LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Travelers and truck drivers face the risk of being stranded on the East Sumatra road due to diesel shortages at multiple gas stations. Just before Eid al-Fitr, long queues have formed from Labuhanbatu Selatan through Labuhanbatu and Labuhanbatu Utara to Kabupaten Asahan.
Long Queues and Diesel ScarcityMuhammad Arifin, a traveler, shared his frustrating experience waiting at several gas stations. He expressed disappointment with Pertamina Patra Niaga Sumatera Bagian Utara (Sumbagut), which reportedly failed to ensure diesel availability, especially for long-distance travelers.
"I have already waited at three stations. Before it was my turn, they told me the diesel was sold out," Arifin said.
Queues stretch across stations in Cikampak (Labusel), Rantau Prapat (Labuhanbatu), Aek Kanopan (Labura), and Pulu Raja (Asahan). Both private vehicles and numerous trucks are forced to park near stations, waiting for diesel supply.
"Our tank is empty. If we don't get diesel, we can't continue our journey to Medan. We would be stranded on the road," Arifin added.
Several trucks were forced to halt their journeys and park around gas stations along the Jalan Lintas Sumatera (Jalinsum) East Sumatra route while waiting for diesel supplies. (PHOTO: Doc. Muhammad Arifin)
Suspected Diesel Hoarding
Arifin, who lives in Pekanbaru (Riau) and is traveling to Medan to visit his parents, suspects the long queues are caused by individuals buying large quantities of diesel to resell.
"Many drivers are upset because they can't get diesel. We have information that some are buying to resell," he said.
He also suggested that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East may have worsened the shortage just before Eid.
Diesel fuel ran out at several gas stations in the regions of South Labuhanbatu, Labuhanbatu, North Labuhanbatu, and Asahan Regency on Saturday, March 14, 2026, around 7:30 p.m. WIB. (PHOTO: Doc. Muhammad Arifin)
Lack of Oversight by Authorities
Arifin criticized the absence of police monitoring fuel distribution at stations, even though "Operasi Pekat Toba" is in effect.
"If police were present, at least the queues could be managed fairly for all travelers," he concluded.
He hopes that North Sumatra authorities station personnel at each station to prevent mass buying and hoarding of subsidized diesel.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati