Fuel Prices Unchanged, Expert: Right Step to Curb Inflation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy expert from Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) Yayan Satyakti views the government’s policy of not increasing fuel prices, whether subsidised or non-subsidised, as good news and a right step to curb inflation while safeguarding public purchasing power. “I think it’s already appropriate; this is to reduce uncertainty,” said Yayan when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to Yayan, the decision not to raise subsidised fuel prices is good news because it demonstrates the government’s concern for the public’s condition, which is facing a decline in purchasing power in a challenging economic situation. He explained that the policy is capable of helping maintain macroeconomic stability, particularly in holding back the pace of inflation while dampening economic volatility influenced by rising prices of imported goods due to increased global logistics costs. Furthermore, Yayan considers this affirmative step by the government worthy of appreciation because it provides room for national economic stabilisation, while also serving as a buffer for the public until the ongoing global energy crisis can end soon. He hopes that the policy can be maintained for a certain period to preserve national economic resilience, while waiting for global conditions to improve and pressures on the energy sector to gradually ease. “I greatly appreciate this affirmative action. Hopefully, it can hold until this global energy crisis ends quickly,” added Yayan. Through an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Prasetyo stated that the decision was taken after the government coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and PT Pertamina, in line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto. “The President always prioritises the interests of the people and society in making decisions. Therefore, Pertamina states that it will not adjust prices for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuel,” said Prasetyo. The government also ensures that national fuel supplies are safe and available, so the public is asked not to panic or worry about price increase rumours. “We hope that with this statement, the public can obtain clearer, more accurate information, and we hope the public does not need to panic or worry because we guarantee fuel availability. We guarantee it, and there will be no price adjustments,” he clarified. The government hopes that this clarification can provide accurate information to the public while dampening concerns related to the price increase rumours that had been circulating.