Surabaya. Panic buying driven by rumors of a fuel price hike and tighter subsidy restrictions triggered long queues at gas stations across Surabaya on Tuesday, despite government assurances that no such measures are planned.

Several filling stations were crowded with motorists, with lines of cars and motorcycles stretching onto main roads as drivers rushed to secure fuel amid concerns over possible price increases starting April 1.

At a station on Jalan Manyar Kertoarjo, queues extended into surrounding streets, with customers willing to wait for extended periods to purchase both subsidized and non-subsidized fuel.

“I saw long lines at other stations, so I decided to fill up now,” said Tommy, a customer who spent Rp 300,000 ($17.65) to top up his tank. “I heard about the possibility of fuel prices going up.”

Subsidized gasoline in Indonesia is currently priced at Rp 10,000 per liter.

Station manager Agus Setiawan said the surge in demand began early in the morning, driven by widespread speculation about a potential price increase.

He noted a sharp rise in consumption, with demand for subsidized gasoline and diesel increasing by around 70%, while non-subsidized fuel sales rose about 30%.

“Our stock remains sufficient, but we are seeing a significant increase in demand,” Agus said, adding that all 48 available fuel nozzles had been activated to ease congestion.

In Jakarta, Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad dismissed the rumors, stating that the government has no plans to raise fuel prices or restrict purchases, as supply remains adequate.

“The public should not panic, should not queue unnecessarily, and should certainly not hoard fuel,” said Dasco, a senior politician from the Gerindra Party led by President Prabowo Subianto.

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