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Pertamina Addresses Suzuki Thunder Fueling Ban at Some Gas Stations
Some gas stations in Indonesia have banned refueling for Suzuki Thunder motorcycles, a policy Pertamina says is to prevent fuel resale. The state-owned company clarified that this is a localized decision by individual stations, not a nationwide ban, leading to varied responses across regions.
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company, has addressed the ban on refueling Suzuki Thunder motorcycles at several gas stations. Corporate Secretary Roberth M.V. Dumatubun stated that the prohibition is a policy implemented by individual gas stations and not a specific directive from Pertamina targeting the brand. He emphasized that Pertamina supports the targeted distribution of subsidized fuel, encouraging two- and four-wheeled vehicles to use it reasonably and according to normal needs. Dumatubun cited statements from motorcycle club leaders confirming no issues with refueling for daily, reasonable use, indicating that the brand itself is not the restriction. However, he acknowledged that in practice, some individuals have modified their Suzuki Thunder bikes with tanks exceeding official capacity to repeatedly fill up with subsidized fuel. This practice, he explained, has led some stations to implement bans with the "positive spirit" of ensuring equitable supply and preventing the misuse of subsidized fuel, rather than to discredit any particular brand. Notices prohibiting refueling for Suzuki Thunder, known for its large fuel tank capacity, have been observed at some gas stations in Jakarta and Bekasi. These notices are posted as flyers near dispensers or as banners. In addition to the Thunder, some stations also ban refueling for motorcycles with modified tanks and the use of jerrycans. The ban is intended to prevent alleged misuse of subsidized fuel, anticipate repeated purchases likely for resale, and maintain targeted distribution. However, the ban is not uniformly applied across all gas stations in Jakarta and Bekasi, with many still serving Thunder riders as long as no violations are evident. The Suzuki Thunder, popular among some informal fuel retailers for its large tank capacity, has been used to collect fuel stock, with many units further modified for increased carrying capacity. The motorcycle, available in 15-liter tank capacity models, is a sport-touring type. Large refueling volumes can disrupt queues and cause inconvenience to other riders. Currently, there is no national regulation specifically prohibiting the Suzuki Thunder from refueling. Information Source: CNN Indonesia
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CNN Indonesia