Fishermen's Diesel Fuel Priced at Rp 15,000, Bahlil: Not Subsidised by State Budget

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the policy of a special diesel fuel price of Rp 15,000 per litre for fishermen will not burden the state budget (APBN). The subsidy scheme for this diesel fuel will be financed by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). Bahlil stated that the policy is a direct directive from President Prabowo to provide certainty and ease the operational burden of fishing entrepreneurs with vessels of 30 to 200 gross tonnes. “This is all in the context of providing a sense of certainty for our business actors in the fisheries sector. Because the price is currently quite high. With this price of Rp 15,000, it is hoped it can assist the operational process for fishermen of 30 GT and above,” Bahlil said after a limited meeting in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, on Monday (13/7/2026). To follow up on the decision, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will soon issue a decree as the basis for implementing the policy in the field. Bahlil also emphasised that the price difference for diesel will not be financed through the state budget, but from the BPDP financing scheme. “Regarding the subsidy, the Coordinating Minister mentioned it comes from the BPDP, so it is non-APBN, we are not using state budget funds,” Bahlil said. He also stated that the government has prepared a monitoring mechanism to ensure the special price is not misused and is right on target. This will be done through coordination with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries to determine the fuel distribution points. “So that the government’s good intentions to help fishermen are not misused. This is what we will guard so that the implementation can be carried out properly. And of course, this is under the direction and orders of the President,” he said. President Prabowo Subianto decided on the special diesel fuel price for fishing entrepreneurs during a limited meeting at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, on Monday. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto explained that the price of non-subsidised fuel had previously surged to Rp 21,300 per litre, while subsidised fuel for fishermen with vessels under 30 GT was already set at Rp 6,800 per litre. Airlangga added that the President therefore directed that fishing entrepreneurs with 30-200 GT vessels receive a special fuel price. “Because these fishing entrepreneurs need to be given a special price, it was discussed that the agreed price is Rp 15,000 per litre,” Airlangga said.