Indonesia cracks down on subsidised fuel abuse in Sumatra Barat and Bangka Belitung

The West Sumatra Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) disclosed a range of schemes used to divert subsidised gasoline and diesel, including modified vehicles with enlarged tanks, fraudulent barcode registrations and un‑motorised trailers pulled into fuel stations. The agency said these practices shrink the amount of subsidised fuel available to legitimate users, prompting the provincial governor to form a dedicated task force that works with police, Pertamina and other agencies to tighten monitoring and digitalise distribution.

In Bangka Belitung, police seized about 8,000 litres of subsidised solar from a warehouse and arrested three suspects aged 39‑66. Investigators recovered large drums, tanker containers and other equipment used to store and sell the fuel illegally at roughly Rp18,000 per litre. The suspects face up to six years in prison under anti‑oil‑and‑gas legislation.