Fuel Shortages in Bali: Latest Updates and Practical Advice for Foreigners

Last updated for Fuel Shortages in Bali: 16 October 2026

Bali has experienced fuel distribution disruptions in October 2026, resulting in long queues at several petrol stations, particularly in Denpasar and Badung. Some stations temporarily ran out of particular fuel types, while others continued operating.

According to reports from Indonesian authorities and Pertamina, the recent situation was largely associated with delays in fuel deliveries, operational issues at fuel terminals, weather conditions affecting shipments, and increased demand.

The disruption has caused inconvenience for residents, tourists, expatriates, and businesses that depend on motorcycles, cars, taxis, and other forms of road transportation. However, it is important to distinguish temporary shortages at individual petrol stations from a complete island-wide lack of fuel.

Latest Fuel Availability Updates in Bali

As of 16 October 2026, authorities and Pertamina have announced measures to improve fuel availability and distribution.

• Additional fuel deliveries: Pertamina announced 57.9 million litres of additional fuel deliveries to Bali during 14–17 October 2026, consisting of 44.9 million litres of Pertalite and 13 million litres of Pertamax.
• Stock reassurance: On 13 October, Bali Governor Mayan Koster stated that the available stocks of Pertalite and Pertamax were expected to meet the island’s needs for approximately two weeks.
• Extended operations: Pertamina identified 52 petrol stations operating 24 hours as part of efforts to improve access to fuel.
• Improved distribution: Additional tanker deliveries and operational support have been introduced to accelerate replenishment at petrol stations.

These measures are intended to ease queues and restore normal distribution. Nevertheless, fuel availability can vary between stations and throughout the day. The announcements do not guarantee that every station will have every fuel type available at all times.

Where Can You Check Fuel Availability Online?

If you are staying in Bali, checking official sources before traveling can help you avoid unnecessary queues.

MyPertamina

Website: https://mypertamina.id/

The official MyPertamina platform provides information about Pertamina services, including nearby petrol stations through its digital services. You can also download the official MyPertamina application to help locate stations and access fuel-related information.

Please note that finding a station online does not necessarily mean its fuel stocks have been confirmed in real time.

Pertamina Petrol Station Search

Website: https://brightspace.pertamina.com/list/spbu

Pertamina’s online station search allows users to look for petrol stations by location and other available filters. Use it to identify potential stations along your route.

The information displayed should not be treated as a guarantee that a particular fuel type is currently available.

Official Pertamina Bali Updates

For announcements about additional fuel deliveries, operating hours, and distribution measures, check the official social media accounts:

• Instagram: @pertaminabali
• Instagram: @patraniaga.jatimbalinus

You can also contact Pertamina’s customer service through its official Contact Center at 135 for assistance and further information.

Google Maps

Website: https://maps.google.com/

Google Maps can help you locate nearby petrol stations, check directions, and estimate travel times. However, opening hours and customer reviews do not confirm current fuel availability.

If possible, contact the station directly before making a long journey.

Important: As of the date of this article, we have not identified a publicly accessible official tool that reliably confirms real-time stock levels for every petrol station and every fuel type across Bali. Always verify locally before traveling a long distance.

Practical Advice for Foreigners Living in or Visiting Bali

Refuel Before Your Tank Is Almost Empty

Do not wait until your motorcycle or car is nearly out of fuel. If you find a station with the correct fuel available and the queue is manageable, consider refueling earlier than usual.

You do not need to fill your tank excessively or buy more fuel than you reasonably require.

Plan Your Journey in Advance

If you are planning a day trip to Ubud, Uluwatu, Amed, Lovina, or other destinations outside your immediate area, check your route and identify petrol stations along the way.

Allow extra time for traffic and possible queues, particularly around Denpasar, Badung, and other busy areas.

Use Official Petrol Stations

Whenever possible, purchase fuel from authorized petrol stations. During periods of limited availability, unofficial roadside sellers may charge significantly higher prices or sell fuel of uncertain quality.

Fuel of uncertain quality can potentially damage your vehicle. Avoid buying from unverified sellers, especially if the price seems unusually high.

Avoid Panic Buying and Fuel Hoarding

Buy only what you need for normal travel. Panic buying can increase pressure on local supplies and make queues longer for everyone.

Do not store petrol in unsuitable containers or keep excess fuel inside your accommodation. Petrol is highly flammable and must be handled and stored in accordance with applicable safety requirements.

Consider Alternative Transportation

If you only need to travel short distances, consider walking where safe, using a bicycle, or arranging a taxi or ride-hailing service.

Public transportation may also be an option depending on your location and destination. However, allow for potential delays, as transport services can also be affected by fuel distribution problems.

If you rent a motorcycle or car, contact your rental provider for advice on refueling and any changes to your travel plans.

Allow Extra Time for Airport Transfers

If you are traveling to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, leave earlier than usual. Fuel queues and traffic congestion may affect journey times.

Confirm your transfer with your driver or transport provider and keep your flight departure time in mind.

Do Not Assume Every Station Has the Same Fuel

Different petrol stations may have different stock levels. One station may temporarily run out of Pertalite while another has Pertamax available, for example.

Always use the fuel grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Do not switch to an unsuitable fuel simply because it is available.

Follow Reliable Information Sources

Social media posts and group chats can be useful for local observations, but information may be outdated or refer to only one particular station.

Check the publication date, compare reports with official announcements, and avoid forwarding unverified claims about island-wide shortages.

Will the Fuel Situation Affect Tourists and Expatriates?

Potentially, yes. Temporary fuel distribution disruptions can affect travel times, motorcycle and car rentals, airport transfers, delivery services, and other businesses that depend on road transportation.

However, the impact varies by location and time. It would be inaccurate to assume that all tourism activities in Bali are disrupted or that every petrol station is out of fuel.

Foreign visitors should remain flexible with their schedules and check the situation before undertaking longer journeys.

For expatriates living in Bali, it is sensible to maintain a reasonable fuel level, identify alternative petrol stations, and allow additional time for daily commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is petrol completely unavailable in Bali?

No. Reports in October 2026 describe distribution disruptions and temporary shortages at some stations, rather than a confirmed complete island-wide absence of fuel. Availability varies by station and fuel type.

Are petrol stations in Bali open 24 hours?

Some are. Pertamina identified 52 stations operating 24 hours during the current distribution response. However, opening hours and fuel availability may change, so check the latest official information before traveling.

Can I check petrol availability online in real time?

You can search for stations through MyPertamina and Pertamina’s station search platform. However, these services should not be assumed to provide verified, real-time stock levels for every fuel type at every station.

Is it safe to buy petrol from roadside sellers?

It is safer to use authorized petrol stations. Fuel sold by unofficial vendors may be overpriced or of uncertain quality, and improper storage or handling can create fire hazards.

Should I cancel my trip around Bali?

Not necessarily. Assess the situation in your area, plan refueling stops, allow extra travel time, and check reliable updates before departure. If you have a long-distance journey planned, confirm fuel availability as close to departure as possible.

Final Advice for Foreigners in Bali

The recent fuel distribution disruption is a reminder to plan road journeys carefully and rely on verified information. Additional fuel deliveries and extended petrol station operations have been announced, but local availability can still change.

Before heading out, check the latest updates from Pertamina, identify suitable petrol stations along your route, and keep enough fuel for your planned journey without unnecessary stockpiling.

For tourists and expatriates, a calm and practical approach is the best way to minimize inconvenience while Bali’s fuel distribution returns to normal.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and reflects publicly reported information available on 16 October 2026. Fuel stocks, station opening hours, and distribution conditions may change without notice. Please verify current conditions with the relevant authorities or petrol station before traveling.