13km Long Fuel Queue Hits Sumatra Gas Station

What Is the 13km Fuel Queue Event in Sumatra?

The 13km fuel queue event refers to a massive traffic jam stretching approximately 13 kilometres at a petrol station in Sumatra, Indonesia, caused by fuel shortages and panic buying. The incident, reported by Careta.my, involved thousands of vehicles waiting for hours to refuel, highlighting supply disruptions in the region. For Malaysian readers, this event underscores the vulnerability of fuel distribution systems in neighbouring countries and the potential for similar occurrences in Malaysia’s border states such as Johor.

The 13km queue at a Sumatra petrol station in early 2025 resulted from a combination of fuel supply cuts and widespread panic buying among local drivers.

Key Facts

Why Did a 13km Fuel Queue Form in Sumatra?

The queue formed primarily due to a sudden reduction in fuel supply from the state-owned oil company Pertamina, combined with panic buying by motorists. According to the Careta.my report, local authorities attributed the shortage to a temporary disruption in the distribution chain, possibly linked to refinery maintenance or logistical bottlenecks. Drivers rushed to fill their tanks, creating a 13km tailback that paralysed the surrounding area.

"We have been waiting for hours, and the station is running out of fuel. Many of us are worried we won't get any before the pumps go dry."

— Anonymous driver quoted in the Careta.my article

The 13km queue was a direct result of a fuel supply cut and subsequent panic buying, with drivers reporting wait times exceeding six hours.

How Does This Compare to Fuel Shortages in Malaysia?

Malaysia has experienced similar, though smaller-scale, fuel queues during past supply disruptions, such as the 2021 diesel shortage in Sabah and Sarawak. However, Malaysia’s fuel subsidy system (RON95 at RM2.05 per litre, diesel at RM2.15 per litre as of 2025) and robust distribution network typically prevent queues exceeding a few kilometres. The Sumatra event highlights the risk of cross-border spillover: Malaysian drivers in Johor may face longer waits if Indonesian shortages drive demand at border stations.

While Malaysia has not seen a 13km fuel queue, the Sumatra incident serves as a warning for Malaysian authorities to monitor supply chains and prevent panic buying in border regions.

What Caused the Panic Buying in Sumatra?

Panic buying was triggered by rumours of an impending fuel price hike and reports of limited supply at several stations. The Careta.my article noted that social media posts amplified fears, leading to a rush on petrol stations. In Indonesia, subsidised fuel (Pertalite) is capped at IDR 10,000 per litre (approx. RM2.80), making it highly sensitive to supply changes. The queue grew as drivers attempted to secure fuel before prices rose or stocks ran out.

Panic buying in Sumatra was fuelled by social media rumours of a price increase and confirmed supply cuts, causing a 13km queue that lasted for hours.

Who Is This Event Relevant For in Malaysia?

This event is most relevant for Malaysian drivers living in Johor, especially those who frequently cross the border to fill up cheaper fuel in Indonesia. It also concerns policymakers at the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Malaysian Fuel Distributors Association, who must ensure that similar supply disruptions do not trigger panic buying in Malaysia. For urban drivers in Kuala Lumpur, the event serves as a reminder of the fragility of fuel logistics during crises.

Malaysian drivers in Johor and fuel policy officials should take note of the Sumatra queue as a case study in supply chain vulnerability and panic behaviour.

Common Questions

Could a 13km fuel queue happen in Malaysia?

While unlikely due to Malaysia’s more diversified fuel supply and subsidy system, a similar queue could occur in border areas like Johor if Indonesian shortages drive cross-border demand or if a local distribution failure coincides with panic buying.

What fuel types were affected in the Sumatra queue?

The queue primarily involved vehicles seeking Pertalite (RON 90, subsidised) and Pertamax (RON 92, non-subsidised). Both are common in Indonesia and are analogous to Malaysia’s RON95 and RON97 respectively.

How long did the queue last?

According to the Careta.my report, the queue persisted for several hours, with some drivers waiting more than six hours before reaching the pumps. The station reportedly ran out of fuel before all vehicles could be served.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary source: Careta.my, "Barisan Kenderaan Ke Stesen Minyak Cecah 13km Di Sumatera" (2025). All factual claims regarding the queue length, cause, and driver quotes are derived from that report. No currency conversion was required as the source used Indonesian Rupiah; Malaysian Ringgit equivalents are provided for context where applicable. Localisation for Malaysia includes references to RON95, diesel prices, and border regions. This article was last updated on 20 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against official fuel price data from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) as of March 2025.