Fahri Ali, Antara, Jakarta – Shell Indonesia has scaled back operations at several of its gas stations in Greater Jakarta as gasoline shortages persist, forcing the company to shorten operating hours, reduce workdays, and place some employees on temporary leave.

Ingrid Siburian, President Director & Managing Director Mobility Shell Indonesia, said Tuesday that the adjustments were necessary due to difficulties in securing supplies of gasoline products.

"We are adjusting operations across our retail network while gasoline products are not fully available," Ingrid told state news agency Antara in Jakarta.

She clarified that Shell stations are not closing entirely and continue to serve customers with available products, particularly Shell V-Power Diesel. Other services, such as Shell Recharge for electric vehicles, workshops, Shell Select convenience stores, and lubricants, also remain in operation. However, gasoline products, including Shell Super, Shell V-Power, and Shell V-Power Nitro+ are unavailable at several outlets until further notice.

On-the-ground checks in Depok, West Java, show just how severe the shortages have become. At a Shell station in Pancoran Mas, gasoline pumps stood empty while only diesel remained available, leaving motorcyclists to turn away in search of alternatives. A nearby outlet in Cilodong was nearly deserted, with no gasoline at all.

"I feel confused when stations like this run dry, but I'm also worried about filling up at Pertamina because of rumors about adulterated fuel," said Vira, a motorist who relies on gasoline for daily travel. Another customer, Gusti Abdurahman, said the shortages had extended into Jakarta. "I usually go to private stations because the service is faster and the payments more convenient. Now it's becoming difficult," he said.

The shortages, which began in August, stem from private fuel retailers' inability to secure additional import quotas. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) has said no extra allocations were granted and advised companies such as Shell, BP, and Vivo to purchase supplies directly from state-owned Pertamina.

To facilitate this, the ministry has asked private operators to submit data on their required volumes and specifications, which would serve as the basis for Pertamina's procurement, either from its own refineries or through imports.

Shell said it continues to coordinate with regulators and stakeholders to restore supplies as quickly as possible. "We are working closely with all relevant parties to ensure gasoline products can return to our stations soon," Ingrid said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/shell-cuts-hours-sends-staff-home-as-gasoline-runs-dry-in-jakart