Fuel Prices Held Steady, Signal to Protect Purchasing Power Amid Global Pressures
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The government’s decision to hold fuel (BBM) prices as of 1 April 2026 is seen as a strategic step to preserve public purchasing power amid ongoing high global oil price pressures.
A member of the House of Representatives Commission XII from the Golkar Party faction, Jamaludin Malik, stated that the policy reflects the state’s role in mitigating the impact of global fluctuations on the domestic economy.
“We fully support the statement from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources assuring that fuel prices will remain stable. This is a strategic step that demonstrates the government’s concern for the people while maintaining national economic stability,” said Jamaludin in a press release on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
He assessed that the certainty of fuel prices, amidst global oil prices still above $100 per barrel or approximately Rp 1,650,000 per barrel (exchange rate Rp 16,500), serves as an important signal for economic actors.
According to him, this policy also demonstrates the government’s ability to manage the energy sector adaptively through subsidy and compensation schemes, so that global pressures are not fully passed on to the public.
“The approach taken by the government is already correct, where the public remains protected, while market mechanisms continue to operate for the non-subsidised sector,” he said.
“This shows a balanced and measured policy,” continued the legislator from the Central Java II electoral district.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that the decision was taken following coordination between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina, under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto.
“Therefore, Pertamina has stated that it will not yet adjust prices for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuel,” said Prasetyo in his statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
He emphasised that the public need not panic because national fuel supplies are assured to be secure.
“We hope the public does not need to panic or worry because we guarantee the availability of fuel,” he said.
Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, stated that his company is focused on maintaining energy supply and distribution to ensure it runs smoothly amid global dynamics.