tvOne: Pertalight Fuel Causing Vehicles to Break Down, Pertamina Under Investigation

Emerging Concerns Over Pertalight Fuel Quality

In recent days, numerous residents in Indonesia have reported their vehicles stalling after refueling with Pertalight, a fuel product offered by state-owned oil company Pertamina. Amateur videos circulating on social media depict frustrated motorists, including motorcycle owners, who claim their vehicles have malfunctioned following the use of this fuel. Reports indicate that at least ten vehicles have experienced similar breakdowns, raising alarms about the potential quality issues associated with Pertalight.

The situation has prompted immediate action from local authorities, with police conducting surprise inspections at various gas stations to assess the quality of the fuel being sold. These inspections include checks on fuel storage tanks and calibration of Pertalight to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Investigations and Public Response

In response to the growing public outcry, Pertamina Patra Niaga and the Directorate General of Oil and Gas have initiated a series of inspections at gas stations, particularly focusing on areas like Surabaya. On Wednesday, officers conducted tests at the Kayun Street gas station, checking for water contamination and impurities in the Pertalight fuel. Fortunately, initial results indicated no water content or contaminants were present in the fuel, alleviating some immediate concerns.

Despite these findings, Pertamina has issued an apology to the public for the distress caused by the incident and has encouraged customers to report any issues directly to gas stations. The company has established complaint posts at each location to facilitate feedback and address consumer grievances effectively.

Technical Issues and Consumer Impact

The breakdowns experienced by motorcycle owners have led to increased business for local repair shops, with many reporting a surge in customers seeking repairs for engine issues attributed to Pertalight fuel. One frustrated motorcycle owner in Bangkalan noted that he had to drain his fuel tank and switch to a different fuel type, citing severe performance issues with his engine.

Experts suggest that the problems may stem from Pertamina's policy of mixing Pertalight fuel with ethanol, which could potentially affect engine performance. As investigations continue, the company faces pressure to ensure the quality of its fuel products and restore consumer confidence.

Sources: Viral Motor Mogok Gegara Pertalite, Pihak Pertamina Minta Maaf | tvOne; TV One