Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, Symptoms of panic buying or buying up fuel oil (BBM) broke out in the central business area of Galuh Mas, Karawang, Tuesday (31/3/2026) evening. Based on monitoring of viral videos widely circulated in various WhatsApp groups, the queue of vehicles interested in fuel seemed to thicken until it overflowed onto the main highway at around 21.00 WIB. Even though the queue of vehicles was seen "spilling" outside the gas station area, traffic flow on this strategic route was reportedly still running smoothly thanks to the orderliness of the drivers who lined up neatly on the shoulder of the road.The panic buying action in Karawang is strongly suspected to have been triggered by residents' concerns about the issue of rising global energy prices as of April 1 tomorrow. In fact, this phenomenon is in stark contrast to the official guarantee from the Deputy Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. Dasco has emphasized to the public that the Government will definitely not increase fuel prices on April 1 2026 and that national stocks are still in the safe category. Residents are actually advised to remain calm and not need to queue in long lines that risk disrupting public order.
Apart from the stock guarantee from the DPR, the Government through the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian also continues to strengthen fiscal stability by instructing budget efficiency in all regions. This step was taken to anticipate economic pressure due to turmoil in the Middle East without having to burden the public with increases in domestic energy prices. "People don't need to panic, there's no need to queue, and even more so hoard fuel," said Dasco in response to the issue that is widely circulating in society at the moment.At the Galuh Mas gas station tonight, motorists who were stuck in the queue were seen filling almost all the filling lanes, extending towards the main route. Eyewitnesses regret the occurrence of this panic buying phenomenon, because apart from being tiring for drivers, it also triggers a contrasting view in the middle of Karawang city. However, the awareness of the queuers not to cover the entire highway should be appreciated because the mobility of other residents was not completely paralyzed.Until this news was published, the flow of information regarding the condition of gas stations in Karawang was still being closely monitored via various social media platforms. It is hoped that the public will not be easily incited by hoaxes about price increases that are deliberately spread by irresponsible parties to create chaos. The authorities in Karawang have also been asked to continue to be alert at vital gas station points to ensure that fuel distribution remains under control and provide a sense of security for residents who really need to fill up with fuel according to their daily needs.
