Fuel Frenzy in Surabaya

Surabaya fuel panic buying traffic congestion

Surabaya fuel panic buying traffic congestion has gripped the city as thousands of motorists rushed to gas stations amid rumors of fuel restrictions. The situation escalated quickly on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Across Surabaya, long queues formed at fuel stations. Lines of cars and motorcycles stretched far beyond station limits. As a result, traffic slowed down across major roads.

The busiest scenes were reported at stations operated by Pertamina. In areas like Jalan Dharmahusada and Kertajaya, vehicles formed long “snaking” lines. Consequently, congestion spread to nearby highways and intersections.

The main cause of this chaos appears to be unverified rumors. Reports suggested possible restrictions on subsidized fuels like Pertalite and Solar. However, no official confirmation has been issued by authorities.

Despite this, many residents chose to act quickly. A 30-year-old motorcyclist said he joined the queue as a precaution. For him, even a small price increase could affect his daily expenses.

Interestingly, the panic was mostly seen at government-run stations. Private fuel providers experienced increased demand as well. However, their queues remained relatively shorter.

A resident from West Surabaya shared her experience. She said almost every station was overcrowded. Therefore, she decided to refuel wherever the line was shorter, even at private stations.

As the day progressed, officials urged people to remain calm. Meanwhile, experts warned that panic buying could worsen the situation. It may also create artificial shortages in the market.

Surabaya fuel panic buying traffic congestion continues to affect daily life. Until authorities issue clear statements, uncertainty remains high. Residents are staying alert as they try to secure fuel for their daily needs.

Experts say panic buying is often driven by fear rather than actual shortage. Therefore, clear communication from authorities is essential.

Situations like this show how quickly misinformation can disrupt a city. In addition, they highlight the importance of public awareness and trust in official sources

Read more global economic and crisis news in our international news section.

For official updates on fuel policy, follow Pertamina announcements.

SEE MORE >>>>