A fire incident involving a Mitsubishi Kuda car with license plate BA 1973 SH at gas station 15.229.111 Aek Galoga, Pidoli Lombang Village, Mandailing Natal Regency, on Friday (10/7/2026), has led to the exposure of illegal subsidized fuel distribution. The incident, which occurred in the morning, triggered panic among local residents but was successfully contained by gas station staff using fire extinguishers before the flames could spread.
Following the extinguishment, police discovered shocking facts inside the cabin of the charred vehicle. They found 15 jerry cans, six of which were filled with Pertalite fuel, and a suction pump machine strongly suspected to be used for illegally siphoning fuel. The vehicle owner reportedly fled the scene immediately after the fire broke out, leaving behind evidence of vehicle modifications that reinforce allegations of hoarding activities.
Police from the Panyabungan Sector and the Madina Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) have secured all evidence, including CCTV footage from the location. Madina Police Chief, AKBP Bagus Priandy, emphasized that his team is conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the network and individuals involved in this fuel siphoning modus operandi.
This discovery adds to the anxiety of local residents, who have recently complained about long queues at the gas station, suspected to be caused by speculators. Meanwhile, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut took a firm stance to crack down on any form of distribution fraud. Administrative sanctions up to the termination of partnership (PHK) will be imposed if the investigation proves any involvement or negligence on the part of the gas station management.
