Worried About the Bali Fuel Shortage? Here Is What You Actually Need to Know

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If you are in Bali or heading there soon, you have probably seen the headlines. Long queues at petrol stations. Empty pumps. Worried drivers. The Bali fuel shortage has become one of the most searched topics this week, and for good reason.

But what actually happened? Is it still a problem? And most importantly, what should you do if you are traveling to Bali right now?

This guide gives you the straight answers.

 

Quick Guide: Bali Fuel Shortage 2026

What Happened: A technical issue with a fuel tanker and a surge in demand for subsidized fuel caused supply delays at petrol stations across Bali.

Current Status: Improving. Fuel is available at depots, but distribution to stations is being accelerated.

Expected Full Recovery: 1-2 Days from 13 October 2026.

What to Do: Plan refueling early, be flexible with travel plans, and do not panic-buy.

Use this link to check the estimated availability of fuel in your nearest petrol station: https://balifuelwatch.vercel.app

 

What Caused the Bali Fuel Shortage?

The shortage was triggered by two main factors.

1. Technical Issue with a Fuel Tanker

On Monday, October 12, a fuel tanker experienced a problem with its anchor while trying to unload at the port. The unloading process, originally scheduled for 6:30 AM, was delayed by over 15 hours, only completing around 10:00 PM.

This delay meant fuel did not reach petrol stations (SPBU) on time.

2. Surge in Demand for Subsidized Fuel

At the same time, there was a spike in demand for Pertalite, the subsidized fuel. With a significant price gap between subsidized and non-subsidized options, many drivers switched to Pertalite, putting extra pressure on supply.

Pertamina, Indonesia's state energy company, acknowledged both factors and issued a public apology to Bali residents and visitors.

 

Is the Bali Fuel Shortage Over?

Short answer: It is improving, but not fully normal yet.

Here is the latest situation.

Fuel is available at the depots.
The main fuel depots in Manggis and Sanggaran have sufficient stock. Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that supplies are secure for at least two weeks based on Pertamina's shipping schedule.

Distribution is the bottleneck.
The issue is not a lack of fuel, but getting it from depots to individual petrol stations. Traffic congestion and the sheer volume of vehicles rushing to fill up have slowed the process.

Extra measures are in place.
Pertamina has taken several steps to speed up recovery:

• 24-hour petrol stations in Denpasar and Badung, expanding to Tabanan and Gianyar.

• Additional tanker trucks increased from 90 to 105 units.

• Police escorts to ensure tankers reach stations faster.

• Additional fuel shipments arriving on October 12, 14, and 16.

 

When Will the Fuel Shortage in Bali End?

Governor Koster has stated that normal conditions should return within 1-2 days from October 13.

 

What Should You Do If You Are in Bali Now?

If you are currently in Bali, here are practical steps to manage the situation.

Plan Your Refueling

Do not wait until your tank is nearly empty. Fill up when you see an open station, even if you have half a tank. Use this link to check the estimated availability of fuel in your nearest petrol station: https://balifuelwatch.vercel.app

Be Flexible with Your Plans

Allow extra time for travel. Some transport services may be delayed or unavailable. Have backup options for getting around.

Consider Alternatives for Short Distances

For short trips, consider walking, cycling, or using other available transport options. The government has encouraged using public transport where possible.

Do Not Panic-Buy

Officials have urged the public not to buy fuel excessively. Panic-buying makes the distribution problem worse and creates longer queues.

Stay Updated

Follow official channels from Pertamina or local authorities for the latest updates. The Bali Provincial Government and Pertamina are working together to manage the situation.

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What Should You Do If You Are Traveling to Bali Soon?

If your trip is in the coming days or weeks:

For immediate travel:

• Check with your hotel or tour operator about transport arrangements

• Be prepared for potential delays

• Consider staying in areas with easier access to fuel (like Kuta or Sanur)

For travel after this week:

• The situation is expected to be fully normal by then

• Proceed with your plans as usual

 

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Bali Fuel Shortage: FAQ

Is there still a fuel shortage in Bali?

The situation is improving. Fuel is available at depots, and distribution is being accelerated. Normal conditions are expected in 1-2 days from October 13, 2026.

Can I still get fuel in Bali?

Yes, but you may need to queue. Some stations are operating 24 hours to manage demand.

Are taxis and ride-hailing available?

Yes, but prices may be higher than usual, and availability may vary.

When will everything return to normal?

Gubernur Bali (Wayan Koster) stated that the situation should return to normal within 1-2 days from October 13, 2026

What is Pertamina doing to fix this?

Pertamina has added tanker trucks, opened 24-hour stations, arranged police escorts, and scheduled additional fuel shipments.

 

 

Final thought. The Bali fuel shortage is a temporary distribution issue, not a long-term crisis. Fuel is available, and recovery is underway. If you are in Bali now, plan ahead and stay flexible. If you are traveling soon, monitor the situation and proceed with confidence. Bali is still open, beautiful, and ready to welcome you.