The Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, has introduced a temporary odd-even system for fuel purchases at Pertamina petrol stations across the island to address long queues caused by panic buying.
The trial runs from Saturday, 17 October, to Monday, 19 October 2026. Under the policy, motorists must match the final digit of their vehicle registration plate with the date to determine when they can purchase fuel.
The measure applies to vehicle owners in Bali, including local residents and foreign motorists. The policy was introduced following reports of long queues at petrol stations in several parts of the island earlier in the week.
Odd-Even Schedule for Fuel Purchases in Bali
Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager for Communication, Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility at Pertamina Patra Niaga for the Jatimbalinus region, which covers East Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, confirmed the implementation schedule.
“The odd-even fuel purchase system will be in effect from Saturday, October 17, 2026, through Monday, October 19, 2026. Vehicles with odd-numbered license plates are permitted to refuel on the 17th, while those with even-numbered plates may do so on the 18th,” Ahad stated, as quoted by Antara.
The arrangement follows a directive from the Governor of Bali under Letter No. B.21/16673/5/Disnaker.ESDM. According to the schedule, vehicles with odd-numbered registration plates were permitted to purchase fuel on Saturday, 17 October, while vehicles with even-numbered plates were eligible on Sunday, 18 October.
The policy was introduced as a temporary measure to regulate the flow of vehicles at petrol stations and ease congestion during the period of heightened demand.
Motorists should check official announcements from the Bali Provincial Government and Pertamina for the latest information on the policy, particularly regarding arrangements for Monday, 19 October, as the initial schedule outlined the designated days for odd- and even-numbered plates.
Pertamina Urges Public to Avoid Panic Buying
The implementation of the odd-even scheme has reportedly helped ease long queues at several petrol stations across Bali. The policy has also received a positive response from motorcyclists, although concerns about fuel availability had prompted panic buying earlier in the week.
The queues formed as motorists sought to purchase fuel amid concerns about supplies. The resulting increase in demand contributed to congestion at petrol stations in various parts of the island.
Pertamina has reassured the public that fuel stocks in Bali remain at safe levels. The company has urged residents and other motorists to remain calm and purchase fuel according to their usual needs rather than stockpiling it.
The temporary restrictions are intended to help manage demand and maintain smoother operations at petrol stations while concerns over fuel availability persist.
Motorists are advised to follow official updates from the Bali Provincial Government and Pertamina Patra Niaga for any further changes to the arrangement. Checking announcements before visiting a petrol station can also help drivers plan their refuelling and avoid unnecessary queues.
The authorities’ appeal remains focused on maintaining orderly fuel distribution and discouraging panic buying while ensuring that motorists can access fuel according to the applicable rules.
