Oil prices rise by up to 20 percent, workshops start squeezing profits

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The price increases for engine oil and spare parts have begun to be felt at a number of vehicle workshops in recent months. The main causes cited relate to the depreciation of the rupiah against the US dollar, together with rising costs of oil-based raw materials and imported components. Other components such as tyres, bolts, fan belts, and metal-based spare parts are also starting to see price adjustments. Workshop operators say the increases average around 20 to 30 percent for some imported products. ‘For the time being we are reducing profits to keep customers, even though oil prices have risen by 20 percent,’ Indra told Kompas.com on Friday (22 May 2026). A similar stance was also voiced by Dokter Mobil workshop owner, Lung Lung. According to him, cost increases affect not only oil but almost all operational needs of the workshop. ‘Yes, they are rising. All base materials rise, oil, chemicals, parts. So it’s certain that prices will rise soon.’ However, Lung Lung said the workshop has not yet raised service prices to customers. ‘But for now not (raised),’ he said.