Consumers Potentially Shift to Subsidised Fuel Consumption, Bahlil: Aren't You Ashamed?

JAKARTA – The rise in the price of non-subsidised fuel oil (BBM) is considered likely to encourage a shift in consumption to subsidised BBM. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reminded the public that those who are not entitled should not take their share of the subsidised BBM.

“Yes, I just want to say that the subsidised BBM is for our brothers and sisters who are entitled to it. Don’t do it like me, like the Director General, Deputy Minister, because the price of RON 98 fuel is rising, suddenly they switch to the subsidy. That means we are taking the rights of our brothers and sisters who are entitled to receive it, aren’t we ashamed?” said Bahlil after a press conference on the discovery of a giant gas field in East Kalimantan at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office in Jakarta on Monday (20/4/2026).

Bahlil emphasised that the government has strengthened the subsidised BBM distribution monitoring system to make it more targeted. One of the schemes implemented is a daily purchase volume limit for certain vehicles.

“Regarding the monitoring system, when I was in South Korea, I said that BBM would be given 50 litres per day, the tank is already full, it can go more than 300–400 km. As a former angkot driver, that’s my experience. Unless there’s another intention,” he said.

Nevertheless, Bahlil assured that the restriction would not disrupt the logistics and distribution of essential needs sector. He stated that goods transport and logistics vehicles would still receive priority to ensure the supply chain is not disrupted.

“But the BBM restriction does not apply to buses and trucks transporting rice, vegetables, and logistics,” Bahlil continued.

For two-wheeled vehicles, said Bahlil, the government is still providing flexibility in purchasing subsidised BBM. However, he again reminded that there should be no misuse, including repeated purchases using jerry cans.

“If motorcycles up to now want to fill as much as they want, it’s fine. Don’t use jerry cans, don’t go back and forth, it’s a pity for our people. Seeking livelihood is important but do it properly,” Bahlil continued.

He said the government would certainly continue to conduct field monitoring. However, Bahlil also invited the public to increase awareness and be wise in using BBM.

“Monitoring is there, but the most important thing is self-awareness. Surely we should be ashamed if we have to be monitored all the time,” said Bahlil.