Experts Explain Why Non-Subsidised Fuel Prices Must Rise
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Executive Director of the ReforMiner Institute, Komaidi Notonegoro, has revealed that the government is in a difficult position regarding the adjustment of non-subsidised Fuel Oil (BBM) prices.
According to him, although the determination of non-subsidised BBM prices is the authority of the business entity under regulations, in practice, the decision is still influenced by the government as the majority shareholder, particularly in PT Pertamina (Persero).
“This means that if the shareholders have not given their approval, they cannot raise non-subsidised BBM prices. Even though it is called the authority of the business entity, within it, the business entity has shareholders, namely the government,” Komaidi explained to CNBC Indonesia on Monday (20/4/2026).
On the other hand, the decision not to raise BBM prices such as Pertalite RON 90 and Pertamax RON 92 is seen as the government’s effort to maintain public purchasing power. Moreover, the largest consumption by the public, especially in the transportation sector, is indeed on those two types of BBM.
However, he assesses that raising non-subsidised BBM prices is a step that cannot be avoided. Considering that without price adjustment, what is sacrificed is the sustainability of energy supply.
Based on calculations conducted by his side, there is a price difference of around Rp5,000 to Rp9,000 per litre between the selling price and economic conditions.
“If this is not adjusted soon because there is indeed a price difference of Rp5,000–Rp9,000 from the price sold by Pertamina, based on the existing cash flow, it will continue to erode and it is possible that by the end of June, Pertamina will no longer be able to procure BBM if there is no policy,” he clarified.
As is known, PT Pertamina (Persero) has officially raised the prices of several non-subsidised BBM effective from Saturday, 18 April 2026. This adjustment mainly occurs on high-octane petrol products and diesel.
Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, explained that the adjustment of non-subsidised BBM prices is influenced by global market price dynamics and geopolitical conditions. The same applies to the increase in non-subsidised LPG prices.
“This adjustment of non-subsidised LPG (NPSO) prices is roughly similar to non-subsidised BBM, influenced by market prices and current geopolitical conditions,” said Roberth to CNBC Indonesia on Monday (20/4/2026).
Meanwhile, for non-subsidised BBM such as Pertamax, Roberth stated that his side is still in the evaluation stage with the government.
Based on information from the official MyPertamina website, here are the details of the latest BBM prices in the DKI Jakarta region along with comparisons to previous prices:
Pertamax Turbo (RON 98): Rp19,400 per litre or up from the previous Rp13,100 per litre
Dexlite: Rp23,600 per litre or up from the previous Rp14,200 per litre
Pertamina Dex: Rp23,900 per litre or up from the previous Rp14,500 per litre
Meanwhile, several other types of BBM have not experienced price changes, namely:
Pertamax (RON 92) remains at Rp12,300 per litre.
Pertamax Green 95 remains at Rp12,900 per litre.
Pertalite remains at Rp10,000 per litre.
Subsidised diesel remains at Rp6,800 per litre.