VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

An officer of the Pertamina Marketing Operation Region VI in Kalimantan handed a COVID-19 alert package to a loyal customer in South Kalimantan (ANTARA/HO-Humas Pertamina)

State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina has guaranteed safe nationwide fuel supplies to the public in spite of the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Daily fuel consumption in the retail sector has risen to 122 thousand kiloliters, or seven percent below the pre-pandemic average, ever since Indonesia began easing large-scale social restrictions and adapting to a new normal.

Pertamina has guaranteed its fuel stocks are safe and remains committed to ensuring the smooth supply of all types of fuels, including subsidized gasoline Premium and Pertalite, Pertamina Vice President for Corporate Communication Fajriyah Usman noted in a written statement released on Friday.

Usman remarked that national fuel stocks were currently sufficient for 26 days of consumption.

"All types of products are available in adequate quantities to meet the needs of the public across Indonesia. Hence, they should not harbor concerns. They can purchase fuel to meet their daily consumption," he stated.

Usman pointed to an upward trend in fuel consumption ever since the country eased large-scale social restrictions early last June.

During the period of large-scale social restrictions, national fuel consumption dropped by some 25 percent and also by nearly 50 percent in several regions. However, fuel consumption has risen steadily to inch close to the normal level. (ANTARA)