Non-Subsidised Fuel Prices Surge, Residents Face Choice: Hold On or Downgrade

The increase in the price of non-subsidised fuel oil (BBM) is once again squeezing the options available to urban vehicle consumers. The price surge, reaching up to Rp 23,900 per litre, is presenting some users with a difficult choice. Will they stick with high-quality BBM or “downgrade” to a cheaper type? The price adjustment carried out by PT Pertamina (Persero) has resulted in significant increases for several non-subsidised BBM products. The sharpest rise has occurred with Dexlite, now at Rp 23,600 per litre, up Rp 9,400 from the previous Rp 14,200 per litre. Pertamina Dex has also risen by Rp 9,400 to Rp 23,900 per litre from the previous Rp 14,500 per litre. On the other hand, the price of Pertamax remains steady at Rp 12,300 per litre and Pertamax Green 95 at Rp 12,900 per litre. This quite sharp increase not only affects the direct costs for vehicle users but is also beginning to create a price gap between BBM types, potentially changing societal consumption patterns. The increase is immediately felt in the pockets of vehicle users. Rizki (25), a driver in Central Jakarta, admitted to being shocked by the rise because it directly impacts daily expenses. “I read the news earlier. Wow, I had to catch my breath too with the BBM price hike. I use Pertamax Turbo,” said Rizki in Petamburan on Saturday (18/4/2026). “If it rises, it could be Rp 90,000 or approaching Rp 100,000 a day,” he said. Rizki, who also works as an online motorcycle taxi driver, plans to add more working hours to cover the increased costs.