Bali Tourist Hot Topics + News Roundup | October 15, 2026

⛽ Bali Gas Station Panic Continues! Hours-Long Queues Persist, Fuel Supply Recovery Remains Key

Gas station queues in Bali had not fully eased by October 14. Long lines were reported in Denpasar, Badung, Klungkung, Jembrana, and Buleleng in North Bali; some locations saw vehicle lines stretching hundreds of meters, with certain sections reaching about 1 kilometer.

More concerning, some residents waited for hours without successfully refueling. Reports from Jembrana Regency noted a person who suffered convulsions after queuing and was taken to the hospital, while children at the scene were crying from thirst after the long wait. This shows the fuel distribution issue is not just a transportation inconvenience but is also starting to impact daily life.

Why Did the Gas Station Panic Suddenly Hit Bali?

Pertamina President Simon Aloysius Mantiri further explained on October 14 that one issue involved technical difficulties with anchor operations when fuel tankers were docking and unloading, causing delays of several hours to the scheduled discharge time.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that the problem was primarily due to delivery delays, not a nationwide fuel shortage. Since Bali’s fuel supply heavily relies on sea transport, delays in ship docking and unloading can affect subsequent deliveries to gas stations.

How Are Authorities Responding?

Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that there are follow-up supply arrangements for fuel in Bali, urging the public not to panic-buy. Pertamina has also taken several measures, including:

• Accelerating fuel distribution from storage depots to gas stations.
• Increasing the number of fuel tanker trucks and coordinating with police to facilitate their passage.
• Extending operating hours at some gas stations and fuel storage facilities to 24 hours.
• Adding fuel supplies in batches to prevent distribution disruptions.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources stated on October 14 that the issue is expected to be gradually resolved by that day or October 15. However, this is an official estimate and does not mean all gas stations have returned to normal.

How Does This Affect Tourists in Bali?

This fuel issue has already impacted some tourist transportation services. Some private drivers have reported that due to time spent queuing for fuel, certain pickups and drop-offs cannot be completed on time, and some bookings have even been canceled.

If you are currently in Bali or planning to travel there soon, it is recommended to pay special attention to:

• Airport transfers: Confirm pickup times with your driver in advance and ask if extra travel time needs to be factored in.
• Full-day car charter: If you need to travel across regions that day, confirm the vehicle has a full tank before departure.
• Scooter rental: Don’t wait until the fuel is nearly empty to find a gas station, and avoid dangerously queuing by the roadside just to grab fuel.
• Long-distance travel: Before heading to North Bali, East Bali, or remote areas, check the vehicle’s fuel status.
• Avoid panic buying: Officials have arranged additional supplies, so there’s no need to hoard gasoline based on social media videos.

The key takeaway: Bali is facing a serious local fuel distribution issue, with some gas stations running out, though officials say supplies are being replenished. The next step is to observe actual distribution and queue conditions on October 15, rather than assuming all areas are back to normal just because ‘fuel has arrived in Bali.’

🏫 Bali Implements 3-Day Work-from-Home and Online Learning Due to Fuel Crisis, Effective October 15–17

To ease traffic congestion caused by long queues at gas stations, the Bali provincial government has announced a 3-day work-from-home (WFH) and online learning policy from Thursday, October 15, to Saturday, October 17.

According to a provincial government notice released on October 14, the measures apply to provincial and district government offices, relevant central government agencies, state-owned and regional state-owned enterprises, as well as public and private educational institutions. Implementation details should still follow official notices from each agency and school.

The goal of this measure is to reduce commuter traffic, making it easier for fuel delivery vehicles to reach gas stations, while also easing the pressure on residents waiting in long lines for fuel.

What does this mean for travelers?

If you are staying in Bali from October 15 to 17, this measure may alter traffic flow on some roads, but it does not mean all roads will become clear.

Additionally, online teaching is mainly aimed at educational institutions and does not mean that hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, or tourist attractions will all be closed.

If you have already booked a private driver, spa, restaurant, or tour activity, it is recommended to confirm directly with the provider whether operations are normal. Travelers heading to the airport, in particular, should still allow ample travel time.

🚌 Fuel Crisis Boosts Public Transport Demand, Trans Metro Dewata Sees More Passengers

The long queues at Bali’s gas stations have also driven some residents to switch to public transportation. Data from Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) bus operations shows that passenger numbers reached 6,501 on October 13, an increase of about 14% from 5,710 the previous day.

This shift reflects that when refueling private motorcycles and cars becomes inconvenient, public buses become an alternative for some residents’ commutes.

However, the increase in passengers has also made some peak-hour carriages more crowded, and operational records show that some services still failed to run. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that all routes are available at all times or that every bus will have a seat.

Can Tourists Ride TMD?

If you are staying in Denpasar or areas covered by Bali’s public bus service, you may consider using TMD to reach certain destinations.

The currently announced fares are:

• General passengers: IDR 4,400.
• Students, persons with disabilities, and seniors: IDR 2,000.

Cash is not accepted on board; you can use electronic money cards, QRIS, or the TMD Pass. Before riding, confirm the route, stops, and schedule, and have a valid non-cash payment method ready.

For travelers who mainly rely on private drivers or rented scooters, TMD may not replace all tourist transportation, but on suitable routes, it can reduce the hassle of finding gas stations and waiting in line.

🛂 Bali Deports 10 Foreigners in One Week for Work Violations and Overstaying

Ngurah Rai Immigration Office announced on October 14 that between October 5 and 9, a total of 10 foreigners were deported for reasons including violating residence permits, illegal work, and overstaying.

Among them, six were involved in residence permit violations, including a Ukrainian national working as a DJ in Bali; another two were deported for overstaying. The remaining cases involved different types of residence and related regulation violations. The immigration office stated that those deported have also been placed on a blacklist barring re-entry.

This news serves as a reminder to foreign travelers that Indonesia’s visa and residence regulations must be strictly followed. Holding a tourist visa or investment residence permit does not automatically authorize all work or business activities.

If you plan to stay long-term in Bali, work remotely, run a business, or engage in commercial photography, it’s advisable to confirm the applicable visa and activity restrictions in advance. Don’t rely solely on social media experiences—always refer to the official regulations of the Indonesian Immigration Office.