Jakarta, March 18 -- Indonesia's consumer protection agency (BPKN) on Wednesday urged the public not to engage in panic buying of fuel ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, warning it could disrupt supply stability amid heightened global uncertainty.

"Use fuel wisely according to your needs. There is no need for panic buying, which can actually disrupt supply stability," said the agency's head, Mufti Mubarok.

Mubarok said panic buying could create artificial shortages due to uneven distribution, even when overall supply remains sufficient.

He added that the government and state energy firm Pertamina are working to ensure adequate fuel availability during the homecoming season.

He also pointed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which ...