Diesel Runs Out Quickly, Vehicle Queues at Polman Gas Stations Persist

POLMAN, KOMPAS.com - Long queues of vehicles waiting for diesel fuel are still occurring at several gas stations in Polewali Mandar (Polman) Regency, West Sulawesi.

The lengthy lines have forced many drivers to wait for hours, often until late at night.

In fact, some trucks are frequently seen lingering around the gas stations, waiting for their turn to fill up diesel.

One particularly long queue was observed at a gas station in Wonomulyo District, Polman Regency. According to Kompas.com’s observations on Saturday (19/9/2026), vehicles lined up along the left shoulder of the Trans-Sulawesi road.

The queue stretched approximately 200 meters, dominated mainly by trucks. This situation briefly impacted traffic activity around the gas station.

Similar conditions were also noted at a gas station in Campalagian District, where four-wheeled vehicles were queuing, spilling over onto the roadside shoulder.

"Almost every day there’s a queue," said Sudarman, a local resident, to Kompas.com.

Diesel stock depletes rapidly

According to him, the long queues occur because diesel stocks run out quickly, while many vehicles are vying for the limited supply.

Amir, Chairman of Commission II of Polman DPRD, explained that diesel stocks at each gas station run out quickly because the quota is only 8,000 liters per gas station.

Meanwhile, diesel demand in Polman is very high since it is not only used for transportation vehicles but also by fishermen and farmers to support their daily activities.

"The quota should be 16,000 liters because it's not just vehicles; farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs also need it," he said.

Besides limited stock, Amir added that many vehicles from outside the region also fill up here, hastening the depletion of diesel supplies.

Task force formation needed

In response to this situation, the Nasdem Party politician urged the Polman government to propose to Pertamina an increase in diesel quotas and supplies to meet the community’s needs.

"The information is that it will be increased, but the latest from the gas stations is that there has been no increase, and the quota remains the same," he said.

Regarding the queues often spilling into the road, Amir suspects that it might be the same vehicles lining up each day to get diesel.

"But this is not confirmed yet. That is why we hope a task force team can be formed quickly to carry out strict supervision in the field," he concluded.