Pertamina Clarifies 'No Refueling' Policy for Suzuki Thunder Motorcycles at Some Gas Stations

Several gas stations across Indonesia have reportedly implemented a policy prohibiting refueling for specific motorcycle models, notably the Suzuki Thunder. Pertamina, the state-owned oil company, has clarified that these are independent decisions made by individual stations to prevent the misuse of fuel. Notices have been observed at some gas stations stating that refueling for Thunder motorcycles or vehicles with modified fuel tanks will not be served. For instance, an announcement at a Pertamina gas station in Bekasi read: "Attention, this gas station does not serve Thunder motorcycles or vehicles of other brands that perform repeated refueling and use plastic jerrycans." Roberth M.V. Dumatubun, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, stated that such restrictions based on specific brands are not intended. He explained that even the head of a motorcycle club encountered no issues refueling at gas stations, as the motorcycles are used for normal daily activities. However, Roberth acknowledged that in practice, some individuals exploit this motorcycle model to repeatedly refuel subsidized fuel for resale purposes. Additionally, some riders have modified their fuel tanks to hold more fuel than standard. This situation has led to the refueling ban at several Pertamina gas stations. "This policy arises with the positive spirit of ensuring equitable supply and has no intention of discrediting any specific brand," Roberth added. It is common knowledge that the Suzuki Thunder is favored by retail gasoline vendors due to its large fuel tank capacity, up to 14 liters. For comparison, popular scooters like the Honda Beat have a tank capacity of around 4 liters, and the Honda Vario has about 5 liters. Thus, a Thunder owner can secure sufficient fuel for resale after one or two full tank refills at a gas station.