Worsening fuel shortages lead to kilometers-long lines at North Sumatra gas stations - Archipelago - The Jakarta Post

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In Langkat regency, lines stretched about 13 kilometers from a gas station in Wampu to another in Tanjung Pura, trapping thousands of private cars, intercity buses and logistics trucks for hours. Some vehicles broke down after running out of fuel while waiting in line.

Vehicles line up to refuel at a gas station in Sidikalang district, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra, on July 10, 2026. Residents said long lines for fuel purchases have occurred over the past week due to limited supplies of Pertalite gasoline and diesel at several gas stations. (Antara/Yudi Manar)

Fuel shortages that have gripped North Sumatra in the past week worsened on Thursday despite state energy firm Pertamina's assurances that supplies had returned to normal, with thousands of vehicles waiting for kilometers at gas stations across the province.Long lines were reported at several filling stations, with vehicles forming multiple rows and causing traffic congestion. In Langkat regency, lines stretched about 13 kilometers from a gas station in Wampu to another in Tanjung Pura, trapping thousands of private cars, intercity buses and logistics trucks for hours. Some vehicles broke down after running out of fuel while waiting in line.