Issue of Pertalite and Solar Restrictions Emerges, ESDM: Await Official Decision

JAKARTA — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has not yet confirmed plans to restrict purchases of subsidised fuel oil (BBM), which reports indicate would take effect from 1 April 2026. Inspector General of the Ministry of ESDM, Yudhiawan Wibisono, emphasised that there has been no official decision from the government to date. “Until today, we ask for patience; there is no official decision from the government,” he said when met at the BPH Migas office in Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3/2026). “So, these stories are still unclear. As far as I can see, until there is a decision from the government, it means it hasn’t been implemented. Yes, including and so on, so please be patient for now,” he added. Previous reports on the restrictions mentioned that Pertalite purchases would be limited to 50 litres per day for four-wheeled vehicles, both private and public transport. Subsidised diesel or Biosolar was also said to be restricted to 50 litres per day for private vehicles. In the document, Biosolar purchases are regulated as follows: Meanwhile, Pertalite purchases are regulated: Distribution oversight is tightened. The document also regulates distribution oversight. Assigned business entities are required to record vehicle licence plate numbers for every distribution of Pertalite and Biosolar. Distribution reporting is also tightened. Business entities must submit reports every three months or as needed. Although the regulation has circulated, the government has not officially established this policy.