Fuel Stations Prioritise Pertamax: What Do UGM and ITB Experts Say?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Vehicle users are beginning to struggle to find Pertalite at several fuel stations, particularly Signature concept outlets, which now offer more non-subsidised fuels such as Pertamax and Pertamax Turbo.

This change has sparked new concerns, especially for daily vehicle users and low-income groups who have long relied on Pertalite to support their mobility.

The increase in fuel costs could directly impact monthly expenses, particularly for informal workers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, and motorbike users who depend on vehicles for their livelihood.

A lecturer from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Jayan Sentanuhady, assesses that this situation is not much of a problem for affluent groups in society.

However, the circumstances differ for residents with limited incomes.

“For affluent people, it’s certainly no issue. But for those who are not, it’s certainly burdensome if fuel is left to market prices,” Jayan told Kompas.com on Thursday (7/5/2026).

This condition is increasingly felt because the price of non-subsidised fuel has a significant difference compared to Pertalite.

In daily use, especially for motorbike riders with high mobility, fuel expenditure can increase significantly in a month.

Although it burdens some vehicle users, several observers believe that limiting the use of subsidised fuel is indeed unavoidable to encourage the use of fuel more appropriate to engine specifications.

A professor from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Tri Yuswidjajanto Zaenuri, said that vehicle users should start using fuel according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

According to him, using fuel with the appropriate octane level not only affects engine performance but is also related to exhaust gas emissions and air quality.

“Society should use fuel according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations so that exhaust emissions comply with type test results and applicable regulations,” said Tri.

He also touched on health costs due to air pollution, which he considers far greater in the long term.

Therefore, tightening the distribution of subsidised fuel is said to be a way to encourage society to switch to fuel more suitable for vehicle specifications.