Bali is introducing an odd-even system for fuel purchases as authorities try to reduce long queues, control demand and distribute supplies more evenly while the island continues to recover from fuel shortages.
The temporary measure will take effect on Saturday, October 17, and is currently scheduled to run through October 19.
How the Odd-Even Fuel System Works
Under the system, motorists will be allowed to purchase subsidised fuel according to the final digit of their vehicle’s licence plate and the calendar date.
October 17: Vehicles with odd-numbered plates will be served.
October 18: Vehicles with even-numbered plates will be allowed to refuel.
October 19: Vehicles with odd-numbered plates will again be served.
The Bali provincial government requested the measure after long queues continued at filling stations despite additional fuel shipments, extended operating hours and efforts to accelerate distribution.
The System Is Designed to Reduce Queues
The temporary system is intended to prevent motorists from repeatedly filling up during the shortage and to give more vehicles an opportunity to access available supplies.
By limiting access according to licence-plate numbers and calendar dates, authorities are attempting to spread fuel purchases more evenly while supplies are being replenished.
Fuel Purchase Limits Remain in Place
Purchase limits will also remain in place during the shortage.
Cars: Maximum of 20 litres per transaction.
Motorcycles: Maximum of 3 litres per transaction.
These limits are intended to help make available fuel accessible to more motorists while authorities continue working to restore normal supply conditions.
Selected Stations Continue Operating 24 Hours
Selected filling stations in Bali will continue operating 24 hours as Pertamina works to replenish supplies and reduce queues.
Police and military personnel are also being deployed at some stations to help manage traffic and monitor fuel distribution.
Fuel Disruptions Affect Daily Life
The latest restrictions come after several days of disruption that have affected daily travel, tourism transport, schools and universities across parts of Bali.
The shortage has therefore become more than an inconvenience for motorists, with fuel availability affecting transportation and other routine activities across the island.
Additional Pertalite and Pertamax Supplies
Pertamina has been bringing additional Pertalite and Pertamax to the island in stages and increasing tanker capacity to speed up deliveries from fuel terminals to filling stations.
These additional deliveries are part of efforts to replenish supplies and reduce the pressure currently being experienced at filling stations.
Authorities Warn Against Panic Buying
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents not to panic buy or stockpile fuel, saying such behaviour can worsen shortages and create longer queues.
Motorists are advised: Check their licence plate number and fuel availability before travelling to a filling station while the temporary system is in effect.
The Three-Day Measure Will Be Evaluated
The odd-even system is currently planned as a three-day measure and will be evaluated after October 19.
Authorities have not said that the policy will automatically end after that date, meaning it could be adjusted or extended depending on fuel availability and conditions at filling stations.
What the Fuel Restrictions Mean for Bali
For Bali residents, the temporary restrictions mean that planning ahead will be particularly important over the coming days. Motorists will need to consider both the date and the final digit of their vehicle’s licence plate before travelling to a filling station.
The disruption can also affect tourism transportation. Visitors who rely on rental cars, private drivers, taxis and other road-based transportation may experience longer travel times or changes to their plans while fuel distribution is being managed.
Conditions may vary between filling stations as supplies are distributed, making it important for motorists and visitors to check conditions before setting out.
Best Bali Real Estate Perspective
Bali’s fuel situation is significant for the wider island economy because transportation connects residential areas, tourism businesses, employees, construction projects, property developments and everyday services across the island.
The current restrictions are temporary and do not, by themselves, indicate a long-term problem with Bali’s property market. However, the situation highlights the importance of infrastructure and accessibility when considering property anywhere on the island.
For prospective property buyers, factors such as road access, proximity to established communities, nearby services and connections to major tourism and commercial areas can all be important considerations when comparing locations.
For property buyers: A Bali property should be evaluated not only for the villa, land or building itself, but also for its surrounding infrastructure and accessibility.
Bali’s Fuel Situation Remains in Focus
Bali is currently using the odd-even system as a temporary response to continuing fuel-supply disruptions. The measure is designed to control demand while additional Pertalite and Pertamax supplies are brought to the island and distributed to filling stations.
With the system scheduled to be evaluated after October 19, the next several days will provide a clearer indication of whether fuel availability is returning to normal or whether additional measures will be necessary.
Bali’s fuel crisis continues to affect transportation across the island, but authorities are taking steps to manage demand and improve distribution. Motorists should follow the temporary odd-even system, observe purchase limits and avoid panic buying while fuel supplies are being replenished.
