Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has urged state-run oil and gas company PT Pertamina to increase fuel supply on non-toll roads in order to anticipate a spike in fuel consumption during the year-end holidays.

Iwan Prasetya Adhi, a member of the BPH Migas Committee, noted in a statement on Monday that during the Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024 holidays, the number of logistics trucks passing by non-toll roads had increased, which necessitates anticipatory measures for ensuring fuel availability.

"We request that the fuel supply on non-toll roads be increased, considering that a high number of trucks are passing by such routes," he remarked while visiting the Integrated Fuel Terminal of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday.

Not increasing the fuel supply could lead to insufficiency at fuel stations and may result in long queues, he emphasized.

"We expect PT Pertamina to anticipate an increase in the demand for solar fuel on non-toll roads. In contrast, the need for fuel on toll roads is expected to decline due to the restrictions imposed on trucks," he stated.

Meanwhile, Eman Salman Arief, another member of the committee, called on the management of the integrated terminal to take measures to ensure that the distribution of fuel to gas stations will not be disrupted by the upcoming rainy season.

He called on the operators of fuel terminals and stations to continue to pay attention to safety measures, given that scores of people are expected to light fireworks to welcome the year 2024.

"It is necessary to continue to prioritize safety even though the terminals and stations are located far from residential areas," he remarked.

During a visit to Central Java's Temanggung and Semarang on December 22-23, BPH Migas inspected several fuel stations in addition to the integrated terminal.

To anticipate a hike in the demand for fuel, PT Pertamina has prepared additional services and facilities, such as standby fuel stations on toll roads, mobile fuel services, and modular fuel stations.

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Translator: Kelik D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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