Not Due to B50, Trade Minister Reveals Reason for Planned Increase in MinyaKita Prices

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the plan to adjust the maximum retail price (HET) of MinyaKita is not related to the B50 biodiesel programme. According to him, the planned increase in HET is purely influenced by the rise in crude palm oil (CPO) prices and cooking oil production costs. “Not at all (related to B50). This is due to the increase in CPO prices and production costs,” Budi said when met at the Ministry of Trade in Jakarta on Sunday (3/5/2026). This programme will directly impact a surge in CPO demand. The high demand for palm oil will ultimately lead to an increase in CPO prices. Nevertheless, Budi assured that there is no connection between the government’s plan to raise the MinyaKita HET and the B50 programme. He explained that cooking oil production costs have been continuously rising, while the MinyaKita HET has not changed since August 2024. Therefore, an adjustment to the HET is needed to align with the latest economic conditions. “Moreover, the MinyaKita HET price has been in place since 2024. It’s been a long time, and everyone’s economic value has certainly changed,” he said. According to Budi, the government is currently reviewing the MinyaKita HET adjustment together with relevant ministries and technical agencies. However, he refrained from specifying when the decision on the HET increase would be announced. “We’re discussing it right now,” he said. On the other hand, despite the planned HET increase, he assured that the current MinyaKita supply is safe in the market. Prices in most regions are also considered stable. “Today the price is around Rp 15,800. Previously Rp 15,900, so it’s actually good,” he said. However, he acknowledged that there are still some areas experiencing higher prices, one of which is Papua. This situation is triggered by distribution challenges. “Indeed, there are certain areas where prices are a bit high, for example in Papua due to distribution factors. We have asked Bulog to distribute to Papua,” Budi concluded.