Pertamina Gas Station Scheme in Bogor Defrauds Consumers of Rp 3.4 Billion

KatadataOTO – The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), through the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Compliance (PKTN), has just uncovered fraud in the practice of refueling with fuel oil (BBM).

This occurred at a public gas station (SPBU) on Jalan Alternatif Sentul, Jujung Village, Soekaraja District, Bogor Regency, West Java.

This case was successfully uncovered due to a public complaint, which was then followed up by the National Police and investigated by the Ministry of Trade.

Based on the investigation, it was found or suspected that the gas station committed fraud by installing an electronic device.

Photo : Antara

"This reduction or operation can be done with a remote system operated via a mobile phone," said Budi Santoso, Minister of Trade (Mendag), as quoted by Antara, Thursday (20/03).

Budi explained that the perpetrator installed an additional device, such as a data cable, inside the current cable block or junction port under the dispenser, which was connected to the electrical panel.

Consequently, the volume of Pertalite and Pertamax fuel dispensed was inaccurate, reduced by 605 milliliters to 840 milliliters per 20 liters.

"The application on the mobile phone can then be used to control when this measurement is reduced or to turn it on and off," Budi continued.

Based on the above, the Ministry of Trade sealed the Pertamina gas station suspected of committing fraud and harming consumers.

Moreover, the losses caused by this irresponsible act reached Rp 3.4 billion in a year.

He stated that the Ministry of Trade will try to anticipate similar actions from occurring elsewhere.

The Ministry of Trade will more strictly supervise gas stations so that the public is not harmed, especially during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2025 period.

They will also collaborate with several related parties, including the police, to ensure the fuel measurements at all gas stations are correct.

"So we will ensure that the public, consumers, will receive fuel measurements in accordance with applicable regulations," said Budi.

Photo : Pertamina

Pertamina Takes Over

On the other hand, Pertamina Patra Niaga has taken firm action on the Ministry of Trade's findings. The gas station will be taken over and managed by their subsidiary, Pertamina Retail.

"The purpose of this management takeover is to ensure that consumers receive excellent service from the gas station and that its operations run smoothly according to the SOP set by the company," said Heppy Wulansari, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, on a separate occasion.

Heppy explained that the sealing is expected to give consumers a sense of trust and security when transacting at gas stations, especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2025.