Pertamax Sales Plunge, Hundreds of Pertashop Outlets Shut Down

The increase in the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel has dealt a severe blow to Pertashop businesses in various regions. The Red and White Pertashop Association of Indonesia (HPMPI) reported that national Pertamax sales have plunged by up to 60 percent, triggering the closure of hundreds of outlets across the country.

HPMPI Chairman Steven revealed that the situation facing Pertashop entrepreneurs has now reached a critical phase. The drastic drop in revenue occurred just days after the price adjustment was announced.

‘The fate of Pertashop entrepreneurs nationwide following the Pertamax price hike is dire and under threat. Sales have fallen by 50 to 60 percent in a matter of days,’ Steven said when contacted on Monday, 22 June 2026.

Steven explained that the impact of the declining Pertamax sales volume is widespread. The worst-hit area is the Special Region of Yogyakarta, where sales volumes that previously ranged from 800 to 2,000 litres per day have now plummeted to just 200 to 700 litres per day. In West Sumatra, sales immediately dropped by 50 percent in the first few days.

‘Bengkulu is among those experiencing the most severe revenue decline, reaching 70 percent,’ Steven stated. He noted that of the 201 Pertashop units in Bengkulu, only 150 remain operational.

According to Steven, the main reason for the collapse of the business is the significant price gap between Pertamax and the government-subsidised Pertalite. As a result, consumers have flocked to Pertalite, even if it means queuing for long periods at public fuel stations (SPBU).

The plight of these small business owners is further exacerbated by rampant unfair competition. ‘The situation is made even more difficult by the proliferation of competition from illegal retailers or Pertamini,’ Steven added.

Due to the lack of customers, many entrepreneurs can no longer cover their operational costs. A bitter choice had to be made to minimise losses. ‘Many Pertashops have been forced to close and lay off their workers,’ he stressed.

Seeing the increasingly critical conditions, HPMPI is urging the government to intervene immediately and provide tangible support to small business owners. The association has put forward two strategic proposals to save the remaining Pertashop businesses.

HPMPI is proposing that the government create a policy allowing Pertashop outlets to sell Pertalite. If the first option is not feasible, the association is asking the government to deploy officers to take firm action against roadside stalls or Pertamini selling Pertalite and diesel without official permits.

‘We propose the government allow Pertashops to sell subsidised fuel. If the government cannot permit us to sell Pertalite, we ask for real action from the authorities to crack down on stalls selling subsidised fuel without official licences,’ Steven concluded.

Meanwhile, Mahendra, 37, a resident of Sidomulyo Village, admitted that although he is not a Pertamax user, the price increase still affects him and his family.

‘If anyone says the impact of the Pertamax price hike is only for the upper-middle class, that is a lie. We in the lower class also feel the effects. Everything is expensive now, everything has gone up,’ he said while queuing for fuel at the SPBU KM 8 in Bengkulu city.