MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Long lines of vehicles at several public fuel stations (SPBU) across Medan in recent days have caused significant traffic congestion on a number of major roads. The situation has disrupted residents' daily activities, slowed traffic flow, and raised public concerns over fuel (BBM) supply across North Sumatra Province.
The Speaker of the Medan City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Drs. Wong Chun Sen Tarigan, M.Pd.B., expressed concern over the situation and urged PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Bagian Utara (Sumbagut) to immediately provide a transparent explanation to the public regarding the cause of the long queues at several fuel stations.
According to Wong Chun Sen, the public has the right to receive clear information regarding the condition of fuel supply and distribution. Transparency, he said, is essential to prevent uncertainty and speculation that could further worsen the situation.
He stressed that Pertamina must take immediate action to resolve the problem behind the long queues, regardless of whether they are caused by disruptions in the supply chain or limited fuel stocks.
"PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut must ensure adequate fuel supplies across North Sumatra and guarantee that there are no shortages. The long queues at several fuel stations must be resolved immediately so that public mobility is no longer disrupted," Wong said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).
Call for Greater Transparency
Wong Chun Sen criticized PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut for not yet issuing an official public statement explaining the cause of the long queues at fuel stations in Medan and several other areas across North Sumatra.
He emphasized that transparency is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the region's energy supply system. An official explanation, he added, would also help prevent the spread of unverified information that could trigger unnecessary public concern.
Furthermore, Wong noted that a reliable fuel supply is strategically important for everyday life. Any disruption in fuel distribution affects not only private motorists but also the transportation sector, logistics services, businesses, and broader economic activities.
As one of Indonesia's major commercial and service hubs, Medan requires a stable fuel supply to ensure that economic activities continue without interruption. Therefore, he urged Pertamina to clarify the current supply situation and guarantee smooth fuel distribution.
"As Deputy Chairman for Economic Affairs of the North Sumatra Provincial Executive Board (DPD) of PDI Perjuangan, I call on PT Pertamina Sumbagut to ensure secure fuel supplies and distribution at every fuel station across North Sumatra," he said.
Fuel Distribution Must Be Restored Immediately
Wong Chun Sen also urged Pertamina to take responsibility for delays in fuel distribution that are believed to have contributed to the long vehicle queues in several regions across North Sumatra.
He called on the company to implement preventive measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future. According to him, Pertamina must strengthen its distribution system and ensure that every fuel station receives supplies in accordance with public demand.
He gave particular attention to diesel fuel availability. Residents in several areas have continued to report difficulties obtaining diesel, a situation that has significantly affected freight transportation companies, business operators, and other sectors that rely heavily on transportation services.
For that reason, Wong urged Pertamina to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its fuel distribution system and restore normal fuel supplies as quickly as possible.
In addition to improving distribution, he encouraged closer cooperation between Pertamina and Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to develop sustainable solutions to the current challenges. Strong coordination between the government and Pertamina, he said, is essential to ensure fuel distribution throughout North Sumatra returns to normal.
Authorities Urged to Investigate Possible Fuel Hoarding
Besides demanding improvements in fuel distribution, Wong Chun Sen also called on law enforcement authorities to closely monitor possible cases of fuel hoarding by individuals seeking to profit from the current situation.
If there is any indication of irregularities in fuel distribution or illegal fuel stockpiling, he urged the relevant authorities to immediately launch investigations and take firm legal action against anyone found violating the law.
He stressed that decisive enforcement is necessary to safeguard the stability of the region's energy supply and protect the interests of the public, who depend on reliable fuel availability for their daily activities.
"If there are individuals deliberately hoarding fuel for speculative profit, law enforcement authorities must take firm action in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala