Jakarta, ThedailyID — Pertamina Patra Niaga is taking steps to maintain fuel distribution as El Niño causes rivers to dry up and disrupt water-based transport routes.
The company has activated a contingency plan to keep fuel supplies moving to communities affected by the changing conditions.
Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun said the company remains committed to maintaining fuel distribution.
“We are committed to delivering the fuel as much as possible,” Roberth said during a media gathering in Cilacap, Central Java, on Friday, September 11, 2026.
El Niño has caused water levels in some rivers to fall. Some of these waterways normally serve as routes for vessels transporting fuel.
As a result, Pertamina has shifted some shipments from water transportation to land routes. The company is deploying tanker trucks to maintain fuel deliveries.
“When we see that a river normally used as a route for ships carrying fuel has dried up, we have no choice but to activate a contingency plan,” Roberth said.
However, the alternative route can increase delivery times. Fuel shipments that normally take about one day by river could take longer when transported by road.
“If it takes one day by river, then by land using tanker trucks, it could take more than one day,” Roberth said.
Pertamina is therefore asking the public to use fuel wisely and avoid unnecessary consumption while distribution conditions remain challenging.
Roberth also warned against attempts to exploit the situation. He said some individuals could repeatedly purchase fuel at gas stations and resell it at higher prices.
“We are very concerned that people are already facing El Niño and need energy, but then there are parties who take advantage of the situation,” Roberth said.
Pertamina’s contingency plan is intended to keep fuel distribution running despite disruptions to normal transportation routes.
The company is also monitoring conditions and adjusting distribution methods based on accessibility and the condition of transportation routes.
