Bali Implements Odd-Even Restriction for Subsidized Fuel Amid Supply Constraints

DENPASAR, Bali – In a strategic move to manage supply chain volatility and curb the persistent, kilometer-long queues at gas stations across the province, the Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, has officially implemented an "Odd-Even" license plate policy for subsidized fuel purchases. The emergency measure, which took effect on Saturday, October 17, 2026, is designed to regulate demand and ensure equitable access to subsidized fuel, particularly the widely used Pertalite (RON 90), throughout the island.

The policy, formalized under the Bali Governor’s official directive (Surat Gubernur Bali Nomor B.21.500.1/16673/V/DISNAKER.ESDM), serves as a temporary circuit-breaker for the province’s energy distribution crisis.

The Core Mandate: How the System Works

Under the new regulatory framework, vehicle owners seeking to purchase subsidized fuel must align their visits to Pertamina-operated stations with the terminal digit of their vehicle’s license plate.

• Odd-Numbered Plates: Vehicles with license plates ending in an odd digit (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are permitted to purchase subsidized fuel on odd-numbered calendar dates.
• Even-Numbered Plates: Vehicles with license plates ending in an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted to purchase on even-numbered calendar dates.

According to Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, the policy is currently slated for a three-day trial period, running from Saturday, October 17, through Monday, October 19, 2026.

"This is a decisive step taken by the provincial government to address the supply scarcity and prevent the logistical bottlenecks that have been plaguing our Integrated Terminals," Rahedi stated during a press briefing at the Integrated Terminal (IT) in Sanggaran, Denpasar. "By synchronizing the license plate digits with the calendar date, we aim to flatten the demand curve and ensure that the available supply is distributed fairly across the entire island."

Chronology of the Crisis: From Normalcy to Emergency

The decision to implement the odd-even system did not occur in a vacuum. The weeks leading up to October 17 were characterized by increasing public frustration as fuel shortages began to affect the island’s daily productivity.

Phase 1: The Initial Shortfall (Late September – Early October 2026)

Rumors of potential fuel supply chain disruptions began circulating in late September. While Pertamina initially maintained that supply levels were within safe parameters, local gas stations began reporting faster-than-usual depletion rates for Pertalite. By early October, motorists were observed queuing as early as 5:00 AM, leading to traffic congestion near major thoroughfares.

Phase 2: Peak Congestion and Public Outcry

By mid-October, the situation had escalated. Images of massive queues circling city blocks in Denpasar and Gianyar went viral on social media. The congestion significantly impacted the tourism sector, as transport logistics for airport transfers and tours were hindered by the lack of fuel accessibility.

Phase 3: The Governor’s Directive (October 16, 2026)

Following an emergency meeting between the Bali Provincial Government, the Department of Manpower, Energy, and Mineral Resources (DISNAKER-ESDM), and Pertamina, the formal decree was issued. The government opted for the odd-even policy as a swift, low-cost intervention to manage public order without requiring a complete lockdown of fuel stations.

Supporting Data: Understanding the Fuel Gap

The decision to ration subsidized fuel is rooted in a fundamental mismatch between supply quotas and consumption rates.

Consumption Patterns in Bali

Bali, as a high-density tourist destination, possesses a disproportionately high number of vehicles per capita compared to other regions in Indonesia. Data from the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) indicates that the number of registered motorized vehicles in Bali continues to grow by approximately 4–6% annually.

The Subsidy Burden

Pertalite remains the most sought-after fuel product due to its government-subsidized price point. When supply constraints hit, the surge in demand for Pertalite becomes unmanageable, as users who typically rely on non-subsidized fuels (such as Pertamax or Pertamax Turbo) often switch to subsidized options in a bid to cut costs during economic fluctuations. This "cross-consumption" phenomenon creates a massive strain on the subsidized quota, leading to the rapid depletion of regional reserves.

Official Responses and Stakeholder Coordination

The successful implementation of the odd-even policy relies heavily on enforcement. Pertamina has explicitly stated that they cannot manage the crowds independently.

The Role of TNI and Polri

In an unprecedented show of inter-agency cooperation, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) have been mobilized. Their primary role is to act as onsite monitors at SPBU (gas stations) across the island. Officers are tasked with inspecting license plates at the entrance of the stations and turning away vehicles that do not conform to the day’s schedule.

"We are working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to ensure compliance," Ahad Rahedi added. "This is not about punishing the public; it is about restoring order. If we allow the current chaos to continue, the distribution network will collapse entirely."

Public Reaction

Public response has been mixed. While many residents appreciate the potential reduction in queue times, others have expressed concerns regarding the policy’s impact on their daily livelihoods, particularly for ride-hailing drivers and logistics operators who rely on their vehicles for daily income. The provincial government has urged citizens to remain patient, emphasizing that this is a temporary stabilization measure.

Implications: The Road Ahead for Bali’s Energy Security

The implementation of the odd-even rule serves as a litmus test for regional fuel management. The implications of this policy extend beyond the immediate three-day window.

1. The Potential for Long-Term Shifts

If the three-day trial proves effective in normalizing supply, the Bali Provincial Government may consider implementing similar measures during peak holiday seasons or high-demand periods. This could set a precedent for other provinces facing similar logistical challenges.

2. Economic Impacts on the Tourism Sector

Bali’s economy is deeply intertwined with its transportation network. A permanent or semi-permanent restriction on fuel could have downstream effects on the cost of private transport. Tourism operators are currently recalibrating their pricing models to account for potential fuel delays, which could lead to a slight increase in the cost of tourist services.

3. The Need for Infrastructure Resilience

The current crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in the island’s energy storage and distribution infrastructure. Experts argue that even with short-term fixes like the odd-even system, long-term solutions—such as increasing the capacity of the Integrated Terminal (IT) in Sanggaran or diversifying supply routes to avoid relying on single-point distribution—are essential.

4. Encouraging Alternative Energy

This crisis may inadvertently accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Bali. The provincial government has been vocal about its ambition to make Bali a "Green Zone," and the current volatility in fossil fuel supplies provides a compelling argument for both the government and the private sector to fast-track EV infrastructure and renewable energy integration.

Conclusion

As the residents of Bali navigate the current weekend under the odd-even fuel restrictions, the primary goal remains the restoration of stability. The government and Pertamina are monitoring the situation hour-by-hour, with data gathered from this period set to determine whether the policy will be extended or phased out.

While the measure is restrictive, it represents a necessary sacrifice to ensure that the fuel supply chain remains functional during a period of high pressure. For now, motorists in Bali are advised to check their license plates, plan their refueling schedules accordingly, and remain cognizant of the broader effort to maintain the island’s operational integrity.

The success of the next 72 hours will be a critical indicator of whether Bali can effectively manage its energy demands through administrative intervention or if more structural reforms are required to prevent a recurrence of the current fuel scarcity. For the people of Bali, the message from the authorities is clear: discipline in consumption is the only path to collective stability.