Pertamax price could fall if global oil prices weaken

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the price of non-subsidised fuel, including Pertamax, could fall if global crude oil prices decline. Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia explained that non-subsidised fuel pricing follows market developments and economic pricing, meaning global oil price movements directly affect domestic selling prices. “So, can it fall? Definitely. When world oil prices drop, non-subsidised fuel prices will certainly also fall,” Anggia said at the Government Communication Agency Auditorium in Jakarta on Wednesday. She explained that the same principle applies when global oil prices rise, requiring adjustments to reflect economic pricing. The government has previously tried to hold down non-subsidised fuel prices to maintain public purchasing power. Following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive, the government discussed with both state-owned and private enterprises to keep prices stable amid global energy market volatility. However, with rising global oil prices, Anggia noted that state-owned enterprises ultimately need to make adjustments. “With increasingly dynamic price fluctuations, businesses inevitably have to adjust to economic pricing. So if asked whether prices will fall when world oil prices drop, yes. There will certainly be adjustments for non-subsidised fuel price reductions,” she clarified. Anggia stressed that the public needs to understand the difference between subsidised and non-subsidised fuels. She confirmed the government ensures that subsidised fuel prices, namely Pertalite and subsidised diesel, are maintained to protect vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, non-subsidised fuels such as Pertamax and the Dex series follow market mechanisms and global crude oil price trends.