Jakarta, IO – News that the prices of subsidized fuels (Pertalite gasoline and Solar diesel fuel) are about to be raised by September 1 fuelled panic buying in the community. Footages circulating on social media show people standing in long queues at many gas stations.
In response, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga corporate secretary Irto Ginting appealed to the public not to panic buy. “We advise people to only buy fuel in the amount they need,” said Irto, as reported by Tempo, Thursday (1/9).
Read: Pertamina trials Pertalite purchase by registration
Irto assured that the supply of subsidized fuel at fuel terminals is still sufficient. He also said that Pertamina has yet to receive any directive from the government to limit the distribution of subsidized fuel.
“This is more due to people’s anxiety about fuel price hike,” said Irto. (un)