KLUNGKUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Traffic congestion was reported across several areas in Nusa Penida on Tuesday (May 5, 2026), as long queues for fuel disrupted mobility in one of Bali’s busiest island destinations.
The congestion was observed at multiple fuel stations, including APMS outlets and public gas stations, with queues of vehicles reportedly stretching up to 1 kilometer. The situation was most severe near Banjar Nyuh, a key hub for tourism traffic and access to the island’s main harbor.
Local driver Kadek Sumartawan said the issue had been building since Sunday (May 3), as fuel availability became increasingly limited amid high tourist activity.
“In the past two days, fuel has been running out by around 17:00 WITA. Vehicles that didn’t get fuel had to queue again the next day,” he explained.
According to local accounts, supplies of Pertamax and Pertalite fuel were frequently depleted before evening hours. When a fuel delivery truck arrived at around 15:00 WITA on Tuesday, the information quickly spread among drivers, triggering a surge in queues within a short time.
The buildup caused vehicle lines to spill onto main roads, significantly slowing traffic flow and affecting access to key areas, including routes to the Banjar Nyuh harbor.
The impact extended to tourists, with some reportedly forced to walk approximately 2 kilometers to reach the harbor after vehicles were unable to move due to fuel queues.
“Because of the fuel queue, some tourists had to walk about 2 kilometers to the harbor to continue their journey home,” Sumartawan added.
The disruption has also affected local transport operators, many of whom rely on consistent fuel availability to maintain daily operations. Several drivers reported losing hours of working time while waiting in line.
Police from the Nusa Penida sector deployed traffic units to manage congestion at critical points. Officers worked to regulate vehicle movement and prevent further buildup around fuel stations and main roads.
Nusa Penida Police Chief Commissioner I Ketut Kesuma Jaya said traffic control measures were implemented to reduce the impact on road users.
“We are managing traffic to ensure vehicle flow continues and to prevent more severe congestion,” he said.
Authorities are also coordinating with fuel station operators to improve distribution and prevent prolonged shortages.
As of Tuesday afternoon, traffic conditions began to ease in some areas. However, high tourist mobility continues to pose a risk of recurring congestion, particularly along routes leading to the harbor and major tourist sites.
Police remain on standby at several key points to anticipate further traffic buildup, while residents and transport operators are advised to manage refueling times and maintain order during queues.