Diesel Car Owners in a Bind as Used Car Market Hit by Soaring Fuel Prices

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The surge in non-subsidised fuel prices is beginning to hammer the used diesel car market in Indonesia. Several popular models such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner diesel variants are starting to lose their appeal to consumers.

PT Pertamina previously officially raised the prices of non-subsidised fuels sold at petrol stations as of 18 April 2026. According to the company’s official website, the price of Dexlite jumped to Rp23,600 per litre from the previous Rp14,200 per litre. Meanwhile, Pertamina Dex rose to Rp23,900 per litre from Rp14,500 per litre.

The increases have not stopped. As of 4 May 2026, the price of Dexlite rose again to Rp26,000 per litre, while Pertamina Dex reached Rp27,900 per litre.

This drastic price surge is starting to affect the used diesel vehicle market. Jeffrey Andika, Founder and CEO of Otospector and used car dealer Otos.id, said that a decline in demand is being felt at partner showrooms.

“Regarding diesel cars, information from partner showrooms definitely shows a decrease in demand, resulting in a plunge in car prices,” Jeffrey told CNBC Indonesia on Friday (8/5/2026).

The main reason consumers have bought diesel cars so far is fuel efficiency. However, the rise in non-subsidised diesel prices has completely changed that consideration.

“So far, consumers buy diesel cars to save on fuel. If diesel prices become this high, there’s no point in buying diesel cars,” he said.

Jeffrey admitted he has not yet obtained exact figures on the extent of the demand drop or the price correction for used diesel cars. Nevertheless, he mentioned that complaints about the sluggish market are increasingly being heard from showroom operators.

“I’m still checking the figures with partner showrooms. But many have already said so,” he stated.

Amid the weakening demand, the supply of used diesel cars from consumers is said not to have seen a significant surge. This means that vehicle owners are still tending to hold off on selling their units.

“No significant increase in the supply of diesel cars has been seen at partner showrooms yet,” Jeffrey said.

Nevertheless, dealers are reportedly starting to take anticipatory measures by limiting purchases of used diesel vehicle stock to reduce the risk of inventory buildup. “They’re definitely holding back on acquiring diesel cars as well,” he added.