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Bali fuel crisis: Odd-even rule kicks in, travellers face disruptions

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 17 Oct 2026, 04:57 am Print

Bali fuel crisis: Odd-even rule kicks in, travellers face disruptions Bali

Fuel shortage triggers odd-even rule in Bali. Photo: X page videograb

The Bali government is introducing an odd-even system for fuel purchases to ease long queues at petrol pumps amid a severe fuel shortage on the Indonesian island.

The temporary measure will take effect on Saturday, October 17, and is currently scheduled to remain in place until October 19, The Bali Times reported.

Under the experimental system, motorists will be allowed to purchase subsidised fuel based on the last digit of their vehicle’s licence plate and the calendar date.

Vehicles with odd-numbered licence plates will be permitted to refuel on October 17, while those with even-numbered plates will be allowed to do so on October 18, the news portal reported.

The restrictions come as long queues continue to build up at filling stations despite additional fuel shipments, extended operating hours and efforts to speed up distribution.

Authorities have introduced the system to prevent motorists from stockpiling fuel and ensure that more people get an opportunity to refuel amid the ongoing crisis.

In addition, authorities are imposing limits on fuel purchases. Car owners will be allowed to buy a maximum of 20 litres per transaction, while the limit for motorcycles will be capped at three litres.

The odd-even system will be reviewed after three days to assess its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, an Indian entrepreneur has urged travellers to remain alert about the situation in Bali after nearly missing his flight to India due to severe traffic congestion.

In a video shared on Instagram, Susheel Jain, founder of Shusheal Yoga, recounted his experience of struggling to reach the airport amid lengthy traffic jams.

“Today I'm travelling back to India from Bali and I almost missed my flight. If you're in Bali or if you're travelling to Bali, you should know what is happening right now. It was a nightmare,” Jain said in the post.