Pertalite Prices in Lembata Soar to Rp 50,000 per 1.5 Litres

Residents of Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have complained about an unreasonable increase in the retail price of Pertalite fuel. The price of retail fuel there has risen to Rp 50,000 per 1.5-litre mineral water bottle. “Half a bottle costs Rp 20,000, a full bottle costs Rp 50,000,” said a Lembata resident, identified only as Y, when contacted on Wednesday (24/6/2026). A resident of Ile Ape sub-district, Lembata, identified as B, reported a similar situation, revealing that the retail price of fuel per 1.5-litre mineral water bottle had reached Rp 35,000. However, the fuel problem in Lembata does not stop at high retail prices. The situation is worsened by long queues at various public fuel stations (SPBU) in the region. PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Jatimbalinus) region acknowledged an increase in vehicle queues at several SPBUs in Lembata. Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, explained that the condition was caused by various factors. “Based on field monitoring, the situation is influenced by increased fuel demand for motor vehicles, an increase in the issuance of recommendation letters for fishermen, and purchasing activities by retailers which also affect the level of fuel consumption in the area,” Ahad explained. Ahad said Pertamina Patra Niaga has taken various anticipatory measures to maintain the smooth distribution of fuel and ensure it remains on target. One such measure is intensive coordination with the Lembata Regency Government, law enforcement officials, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen distribution oversight, including the issuance of recommendation letters for fishermen. “We continue to coordinate with all relevant parties to ensure fuel distribution runs optimally and in accordance with regulations. Oversight of subsidised fuel distribution is also being strengthened so that its benefits can be received by entitled communities,” Ahad stated. In addition, Pertamina Patra Niaga, together with the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), continues to monitor and evaluate the realisation of quotas and the distribution of subsidised fuel in Lembata. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain energy supply reliability while anticipating increases in community needs.