Diesel Fuel Prices Soar, Consumers Opt to Garage Their Diesel Cars

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The increase in prices of non-subsidised diesel fuels such as Pertamina Dex and Dexlite is beginning to impact diesel-engined car users in Indonesia. Several consumers are making various adjustments, from reducing vehicle usage to switching to more economical options. Andre, a user of a 2021 Toyota Fortuner VRZ diesel in Jakarta, admits that the price rise is quite noticeable. He has even started reducing his use of the diesel car for daily activities. He said that now the diesel car is used only occasionally, while an electric vehicle (EV) has become the mainstay for daily needs. “Normally, the car is used according to the even-odd licence plate system, but now it will be used rarely. It’s more towards full EV for daily use. The EV was deliberately bought to anticipate things like this, as well as serving as a mobile generator if anything happens,” he said. In contrast to Andre, Nisa, a user of a 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar in Surabaya, considers the price increase to be within reasonable limits. “I think it’s normal, because global oil prices are rising. If you decide to use Dex from the start, it means you’re prepared for whatever amount of money you have to spend, because comfort comes at a price,” said Nisa. She also believes that the diesel price hike tends not to provoke much protest because the majority of users come from middle to upper classes. “I think why Dex is rising first is because the users are mostly middle to upper class, with only a small portion protesting,” she said. Meanwhile, Zara, a user of a 2016 Toyota Fortuner VRZ diesel in Jakarta, admits she is starting to consider other alternatives to curb expenses. “I briefly thought about buying an electric car, but I’m still considering if it’s really needed. So to cope, I’ll combine it with riding a motorbike,” said Zara. Indra, a user of a 2021 Pajero Dakar in Pekanbaru, feels the same. He admits he was shocked by the significant price jump. “Honestly, I was shocked when I heard this news yesterday. The last time I filled up Pertadex, it was Rp 14,950, now it’s Rp 24,950; this is enough to shock the wallet,” said Indra. “Honestly, I’m garaging my Pajero, I won’t take it out until an undetermined time. I’m switching to using an old Fortuner model that can run on biodiesel to save money,” he added. The rise in non-subsidised fuel prices for diesel cars is not just about numbers on the petrol station boards but is starting to change how people use diesel cars. From being used daily before, now usage is being limited, and some are switching to more economical vehicles. If this trend continues, it is not impossible that diesel fuel consumption patterns will also change.