Pertamina Patra Niaga North Sumatera Takes Firm Action Against Violating Distributors

Medan, June 23, 2023 - PT Pertamina Patra Niaga North Sumatera Region will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions on petrol station distributors found guilty of violations or misconduct regarding specific types of fuels (JBT), Bio Solar, and Special Assignment Fuel (JBKP), Pertalite.

As of May 2023, 15 petrol station distributors within the Pertamina Patra Niaga North Sumatera operational area have been subjected to strict sanctions for proven violations. The regulations governing subsidized fuels are stipulated in Presidential Regulation No. 191 of 2014 concerning the Provision, Distribution, and Retail Price of Oil Fuels. They are also outlined in the Decree of the Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) No. 4/P3JBT/BPH Migas/Kom/2020 regarding the Control of Distribution of Specific Oil Fuels.

Susanto August Satria revealed that the sanctions imposed on the petrol stations vary according to the severity of the violations committed. "The sanctions can range from administrative penalties, subsidized fuel supply temporary suspension to the petrol stations, to the most severe consequence, which is business relationships termination, commonly known as PHU. As of May 2023, we have sanctioned 15 SPBUs, and the most severe sanction imposed is subsidized fuel supply temporary suspension to those petrol stations," explained Satria.

Pertamina consistently ensures a smooth fuel supply, following the increased economic activities in various operational areas of Pertamina Patra Niaga North Sumatera Region. Education and socialization regarding proper and targeted fuel utilization continue to be conducted. Currently, Subsidized QR Code implementation is also being applied as Pertamina's effort to ensure the targeted fuel distribution to the appropriate recipients.

In light of the various efforts made by Law Enforcement Agencies (APH) and relevant stakeholders to crack down on subsidized fuel misuse and abuse, Pertamina Patra Niaga North Sumatera Region expresses its highest gratitude and appreciation for the efforts.

"Pertamina fully supports the efforts and measures taken by APH to safeguard subsidized fuels distribution. We are ready to collaborate to ensure subsidized fuels are utilized by the appropriate recipients. According to regulations, any misconduct or subsidized fuel misuse constitutes a criminal offense and is subject to penalties imposed on the offenders," Satria emphasized.

Satria further added that subsidized Bio Solar fuel purchase in all North Sumatra regions, consisting of five provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatera, West Sumatera, Riau Islands, and Riau, now utilizes the QR Code system at petrol stations, making it easier to detect fraud. "Therefore, let us use the QR Code for the JBT Biosolar fuel purchase responsibly, one QR Code per license plate number. If consumers misuse the QR Code to hoard and resell subsidized fuels, it is considered a criminal act that can be prosecuted by law enforcement agencies. Let us preserve subsidized fuels for those entitled to them," Satria conveyed.

If the public encounters indications of misuse or misconduct regarding subsidized fuels and LPG in the field, the public can directly report to the nearest police authorities or inform Pertamina through the Call Center at 135.**