El Niño Triggers River Droughts, Pertamina Shifts to Tanker Trucks for Fuel Distribution

The drought conditions in Indonesia, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, are beginning to impact the fuel distribution network of state-owned oil company PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. In regions where river transportation, a crucial method for fuel delivery, has become unfeasible due to low water levels, Pertamina is transitioning to tanker trucks as an alternative. Roberth MV Dumatubun, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, highlighted the challenges, stating, "If we look at the river, one of them is the river that is then used for the ship's path to deliver energy, it turns out to be dry, we have to do the contingency plan." He acknowledged that this shift to land-based distribution via tanker trucks will inevitably lead to longer delivery times compared to the more efficient riverine transport. Despite the logistical hurdles and potential delays, Pertamina has reiterated its commitment to ensuring fuel availability across the archipelago. However, in light of these disruptions, the company is also urging the public to practice wise and economical fuel consumption during this period. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Indonesia's extensive logistics infrastructure, heavily reliant on natural waterways, to climate change impacts. Information Source: VOI English