TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has warned the public against 'panic buying' when purchasing fuel due to rumors of potential energy supply disruptions due to the conflict between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran.
"BPKN urges the public not to panic. Fuel consumers should remain calm, be alert to the global situation, but not make excessive purchases," said BPKN Chair Mufti Mubarok in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, March 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Fuel panic buying has occurred in several regions, such as Jember, Medan, and Aceh. People reportedly flocked to buy fuel after rumors circulated regarding potential energy supply disruptions due to the global conflict.
According to Mufti, panic buying could actually trigger a false shortage in the field because distribution becomes unbalanced due to excessive purchasing.
Mufti emphasized that Indonesia has many energy sources that can be utilized, so the public should not be overly concerned.
"We have many energy sources. What needs to be done now is to increase the efficiency of energy use, including efficiency in transportation," he said.
He also emphasized that under any circumstances, the state must be present to ensure the availability of energy for the public. "The state remains obligated to ensure the supply of fuel for the public by any means necessary, because energy is a strategic need that supports economic activity and public mobility," he said.
Furthermore, the National Transportation Safety Agency (BPKN) reminded public transportation operators to prepare for a potential increase in passenger numbers if people begin to shift from private vehicles to public transportation.
"Public transportation operators must be prepared for a surge in users. There is a possibility of a shift from private to public transportation as a form of energy efficiency," said Mufti.
Furthermore, the BPKN also asked PT Pertamina (Persero) to ensure smooth fuel distribution throughout the region, especially ahead of the Eid homecoming (mudik) period.
"Pertamina must immediately ensure sufficient fuel stocks on the homecoming routes so that the public does not worry and long lines at gas stations are avoided," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasized that national energy stocks remain secure and the government continues to monitor developments in the global situation that could affect energy supplies.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Fahmy Radhi, an energy observer from Gadjah Mada University, who believes that 'panic buying' has the potential to disrupt fuel distribution in the field. "If people buy excessively, distribution, which is actually sufficient, could be disrupted," he said.
Therefore, various parties urge the public to remain calm and use energy wisely to maintain the stability of the national fuel supply.
Read: Minister Bahlil Urges Calm: No Need for Fuel Panic Buying
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