Shell's petrol stations in Indonesia run dry again

Shell Plc's retail pump stations in Indonesia have run out of petrol for the second time in less than two months as import restrictions by the Southeast Asian nation continue to crimp supplies of the vehicular fuel.

- NICHOLAS LUA

Three varieties of petrol are currently not available at Shell stations across the country, according to a statement on its website from late last week. A spokesperson said yesterday that the company is coordinating with government and other stakeholders "to restock gasoline fuel products at Shell fuel stations as soon as possible."

Pump stations operated by Shell and BP Plc have been facing shortages of fuel products since late August amid a steep drop in Indonesia's imports of petrol. Shell, which also faced problems with supply in January, has about 200 petrol stations across the country.