Increase in Non-Subsidised Fuel Follows Global Market Mechanism, Bahlil Affirms It Complies with Regulations

Jakarta, VIVA – The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has explained that the price increase for non-subsidised fuel types such as Pertamax Turbo and Diesel BP follows the global market mechanism and complies with prevailing regulations.

He stated that the government affirms that price controls are only applied to subsidised fuels. Meanwhile, fuels for industrial needs and affluent consumers adjust to market prices.

Bahlil conveyed this after serving as a speaker at the Local Leadership Enhancement Course at Akmil in Magelang on Saturday, 18 April 2026. He noted that, according to the 2022 Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, high-octane fuels like RON 98 or Pertamax Turbo are not categorised as subsidised.

According to him, this type of fuel is generally used by consumers from affluent backgrounds, so its price movements follow global market dynamics. In addition to Pertamax Turbo, diesel fuel with a cetane number (CN) of 51 is also categorised as non-subsidised fuel intended for the industrial sector and users with higher economic capacity.

He further explained that regarding the potential for oil and gas exploration, the process still follows the applicable mechanism. Exploration activities begin through the tender process for work areas (oil and gas blocks).

After a company wins the tender, it can proceed to the exploration stage to determine the available resource potential. The government ensures that the entire process is conducted transparently and in accordance with regulations to maintain the sustainability of the national energy sector. (Ant)