Bali Gas Station Lines Gradually Easing! Odd-Even Fuel Rationing Extended to October 23, Government Promises Improved Supply
Bali’s fuel distribution crisis enters a new phase. After days of long queues at gas stations, fuel shortages in some areas, and traffic congestion, wait times are gradually improving at some stations. However, the provincial government has decided to extend the odd-even license plate fuel rationing measure until Friday, October 23, 2026, to continue managing station crowds and stabilizing fuel distribution.
Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, announced on October 19 that the government has increased Bali’s fuel reserve target from about 11 days to 15 days and boosted the number of fuel tanker ships to seven. The government also denied rumors of a 50% cut in Bali’s fuel quota, emphasizing that the issue primarily involves transportation and distribution delays.
Pertamina (Indonesia’s state-owned oil company) has also committed to improving fuel distribution management to prevent a recurrence of similar issues.
Bali’s Heat May Persist Through November! Dry Season and El Niño Intensify the Heat
Bali has been experiencing persistent high temperatures recently, with meteorological authorities indicating that the hot conditions are expected to last possibly into November. The dry season’s lack of rain, combined with the climatic effects of El Niño, is causing higher daytime temperatures in some areas and a more oppressive, muggy feel.
Weather forecasts for October 20 show that some parts of Bali could see maximum temperatures around 34°C. The southern coast and urban areas will experience strong midday sun, while inland and mountainous regions may have different temperature and weather variations.
This doesn’t mean Bali will face extreme heat every day, nor does it guarantee no rain in November. Travelers should still plan their activities based on daily local forecasts.
Travel Tips:
- Schedule visits to beaches, rice terraces, and outdoor attractions for the morning or late afternoon.
- Carry drinking water with you and take breaks to stay hydrated.
- Apply sunscreen when visiting temples or joining outdoor activities.
- If you experience dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue, stop your activity and move to a shaded area.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali in late October, there’s no need to cancel due to the heat—but it’s best to avoid scheduling all outdoor activities around noon.
Bali’s Sky Turns Hazy, Residents Suspect Smoke from Distant Forest Fires? Officials Say No Smoke Haze Detected Yet
On October 20, some residents in Bali reported a grayish tint in the sky, raising concerns that smoke haze from forest and land fires in Kalimantan might have drifted over the island.
In response, Bali’s disaster management agency stated that no smoke haze from Kalimantan has been detected entering Bali so far. Changes in sky color cannot be attributed to a source by visual observation alone—confirmation requires air quality monitoring, wind direction data, and meteorological analysis.
On the other hand, Bali itself still faces the risk of forest and land fires in dry conditions. Local disaster response units reported that there were 10 forest or land fire incidents on the island over the past week, indicating that fire prevention efforts during the dry season cannot be relaxed.
For travelers, a gloomy sky should not be directly interpreted as the arrival of haze from elsewhere, nor does it mean that all areas of Bali are experiencing severe air pollution.
If you are sensitive to air quality, it is advisable to monitor official local information. If you notice a distinct smell of smoke, reduced visibility, or respiratory discomfort, consider reducing outdoor activities and opting for indoor environments with good ventilation and air quality.
Indonesian Government Intensifies Rabies Prevention in Bali, Promoting Integrated Management of Humans, Animals, and Environment
The Indonesian government has once again prioritized rabies prevention in Bali as a public health focus, promoting the ‘One Health’ model that integrates human health, animal health, and environmental management to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies.
Relevant authorities held a prevention and evaluation meeting in Denpasar on October 15 and announced further directions on October 20. The government emphasized that rabies prevention cannot rely on a single sector alone but requires the joint participation of local governments, veterinarians, and communities, including dog vaccination, animal population management, disease surveillance, and immediate treatment after animal bites.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture provided 205,000 doses of rabies vaccine this year, while international organizations supplied 580,000 doses to support Bali and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). These figures represent the total vaccine doses allocated for both regions, not solely for Bali.
How Can Travelers Prevent Rabies in Bali?
- Avoid touching unfamiliar dogs or other unknown mammals.
- Do not feed or provoke animals, even if they appear tame.
- If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound with plenty of running water and soap, and seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether a rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are needed.
- Do not assume there is no risk of infection just because the wound is small or the animal appears healthy.
Bali still has many stray dogs and community-owned dogs. Travelers don’t need to panic excessively, but should keep their distance and take basic precautions.
Water Supply Affected in Parts of Gianyar, Bukit Jati Reservoir Malfunction Leads to Rotational Water Supply
The water supply in some areas of Gianyar Regency has been affected, with local water authorities announcing rotational water supply measures due to equipment issues at the Bukit Jati Reservoir.
This announcement was made on October 20, and the main impact is that some areas can no longer maintain continuous water supply, meaning residents and businesses may need to wait for water to return according to the schedule.
Currently, publicly available information is insufficient to confirm the full list of affected areas or the exact time for normal water supply to resume in each zone. Therefore, this incident should not be interpreted as a complete water outage across all of Gianyar Regency.
If you are staying at a villa, guesthouse, or hotel near Ubud or Gianyar in the near future, it’s recommended to confirm with your accommodation whether the water supply is normal, especially if you plan to use a private pool, outdoor shower, or arrange for a long soak in the bath.
If your accommodation is indeed affected, ask the operator if they have water storage facilities and backup water arrangements. This is a localized water supply issue, and there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest a widespread water shortage across Bali’s main tourist areas.
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