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Bali grapples with fuel crisis as motorists queue for hours

Bali's capital city has been hit by a sharp fuel shortage, forcing motorists to queue for extended periods at petrol pumps. The supply crunch has sparked public anger, with hundreds staging protests.

LSN India · 17 October 2026

Motorists in Denpasar, the capital of Bali province, faced unprecedented delays at fuel stations on Thursday as a significant shortage gripped the island's energy supply. Queues extended beyond one kilometre at multiple petrol pumps across the city, creating gridlock and frustration among residents and businesses dependent on regular fuel access.

The fuel crisis prompted swift public reaction, with approximately 500 people gathering outside the office of the provincial governor to voice their grievances. The demonstration reflected growing concern over the shortage's impact on daily life, from commuting to commercial transport operations across the island.

The exact cause of the supply disruption was not immediately clear, though such shortages in Indonesia's tourist-dependent regions often stem from distribution bottlenecks or supply chain disruptions. The situation raised questions about contingency measures to prevent similar supply gaps in the future.

Indonesian energy authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the duration of the shortage or immediate steps to restore normal fuel availability. The incident underscores persistent vulnerabilities in regional fuel distribution networks despite Indonesia's status as an energy-producing nation.