Pertamax Price Surges to Rp16,250 per Litre, MPR Points to Global Turmoil as Main Cause
The price increase of Pertamax, a non-subsidised type of fuel, has come under public scrutiny after prices surged from Rp12,300 to Rpund Rp16,250 per litre. Responding to the situation, the Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, explained that the price change of Pertamax is inseparable from the volatility of global crude oil prices, which have continued to rise in recent months.
According to Eddy, Pertamax is a non-subsidised fuel, meaning its pricing mechanism differs from fuels that receive government support. As it does not fall under the categories of Certain Fuel Types (JBT) or Special Assignment Fuel Types (JBKP), the price of Pertamax follows the developments of the global energy market.
Pertamax Prices Follow Global Oil Movements
Eddy emphasised that the fluctuations in Pertamax prices are heavily influenced by international crude oil prices.
“Since Pertamax is not part of the JBT or JBKP, it certainly does not receive government subsidies, so its price will fluctuate in accordance with world crude oil prices,” he stated in a briefing received in Jakarta on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
He explained that over the last few months, global crude oil prices have remained within the range of 80 to 100 US dollars per barrel. This condition is one of the primary factors driving the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices domestically.
According to him, the pressure on global oil prices stems not only from high energy demand but is also influenced by the imbalance between supply and global market needs.
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Triggers New Concerns
Eddy assessed that the global energy market situation has the potential to become even more volatile after Iran officially closed the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping activities.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic oil distribution routes in the world. Disruptions to this route have the potential to affect the global oil supply and trigger increases in international energy prices.
Given these conditions, crude oil prices are expected to have the potential to move even higher than current levels.
“Prices could rise further due to the imbalance between demand and supply. This condition is even projected to move upwards again,” said Eddy.