Finance Minister Purbaya Assures Subsidised Fuel Prices Will Not Rise Until Year-End

The government has assured that subsidised fuel prices will not increase, even as global oil prices currently exceed $100 per barrel. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stressed that the government will absorb the pressure from rising energy costs through the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) to avoid burdening the public. “No (fuel prices will not rise). We are absorbing the pressure on the economy in the APBN. If we release it, like in other countries, the public could panic,” said Purbaya at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday (19/3/2026), quoted from Antara. According to him, the government is also preparing various measures to maintain fiscal health, both through spending savings and increasing state revenue. “Our subsidies are calculated for a full year. Even with current prices, we have anticipated the impact on the APBN. We will take steps, both savings and revenue increases, so that the APBN remains safe. Up to now, the calculations are still safe,” he explained. “The APBN absorbs shocks like this, so the public can still carry out economic activities without excessive burden increases,” he added. Previously, Purbaya also stated that the government would maintain fuel prices until the end of the year despite a significant increase in global oil prices. According to him, the current state budget is still sufficient to keep fuel prices stable. “The function of the budget is to absorb external shocks. Up to now, what is absorbing is the government’s APBN,” said Purbaya on Tuesday (17/3/2026). He even mentioned that, with the current conditions, fuel prices can still be maintained until the end of the year. “If conditions are like this, it can last until the end of the year, no problem,” he stated. Purbaya also addressed opinions from some economic observers regarding the state of the country’s finances. He affirmed that the government still has budget reserves that can be utilised. “I have a budget that can still be used, which perhaps not all observers know the position of,” he said.