Padang, W. Sumatra. State energy company Pertamina has deployed additional fuel tankers and expanded deliveries to West Sumatra after weeks of long queues at gas stations caused by distribution disruptions linked to bridge repairs.

Traffic congestion has persisted for nearly two months at fuel stations across Padang, Pesisir Selatan, Tanah Datar, and other parts of West Sumatra as motorists waited to refuel.

The delays stem from repair work on Bungus Bridge, a key transport route used by fuel tankers delivering gasoline and diesel from Pertamina's Teluk Kabung Fuel Terminal to service stations across the province.

During construction, traffic on the bridge has been restricted under an alternating one-way system, slowing tanker movements and delaying fuel deliveries.

Officials stressed that the problem was caused by logistics disruptions rather than fuel shortages.

"This is not a fuel shortage. Fuel stocks are available, but deliveries have been delayed because Bungus Bridge is undergoing repairs," lawmaker Andre Rosiade said during a site inspection with officials from the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) and Pertamina Patra Niaga.

To ease the bottleneck, Pertamina said it has operated the Teluk Kabung Fuel Terminal around the clock since July 23 and deployed an additional 15 to 20 fuel tanker trucks, along with their crews, from outside West Sumatra.

The company has also increased fuel distribution by 9% to 10% across West Sumatra and by 15% to 18% in Padang, where demand has been particularly high.

"We continue working to ensure fuel deliveries to service stations meet public demand. The public does not need to worry because fuel stocks remain sufficient," a Pertamina official said.

The National Road Implementation Agency said it has accelerated repairs to Bungus Bridge, bringing forward the expected completion date by one month. The bridge is now scheduled to reopen on Aug. 14, instead of the original target of Sept. 14.

Authorities expect the earlier reopening to restore normal fuel distribution across West Sumatra and eliminate the long queues at filling stations.

The government and Pertamina have urged residents not to engage in panic buying, saying inventories remain adequate and supply conditions should gradually improve as distribution constraints are eased.

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