Pertamax Turbo Price Increase Impacts Turbo Car Owners

JAKARTA – A rise in the price of non-subsidised fuel has occurred again as of 18 April 2026, including Pertamax Turbo (RON 98), which now reaches Rp 19,400 per litre from the previous Rp 13,100.

This significant spike means vehicle users, particularly those with turbocharged and high-performance cars, must dig deeper into their pockets.

Unlike conventional engine cars, turbo car owners have more limited choices for reducing fuel octane, especially if they want to keep performance optimal.

From the manufacturer’s perspective, the use of high-octane fuel is indeed the primary recommendation. For example, the Toyota Raize 1.0 turbo is advised to use fuel with a minimum RON of 92 or higher to maintain optimal performance.

“Usually, manufacturers recommend using fuel with high octane or RON, at least 92, better if higher,” said Lung Lung, owner of Dokter Mobil, to Kompas.com.

Although not all turbo engines require RON 98, most still need higher-octane fuel compared to non-turbo engines.

He explained that using the appropriate RON ensures more perfect combustion, allowing the engine’s power to be maximised. Conversely, using lower-octane fuel will impact combustion quality.

Technically, turbo engines work by increasing air pressure into the combustion chamber. This condition makes the air-fuel mixture more prone to premature ignition if low-octane fuel is used.

As a result, detonation or knocking occurs, marked by a ticking sound. In the short term, the effect is a decrease in performance and a heavier engine response.

However, in the long term, the impact can be more serious. Using unsuitable fuel can cause incomplete combustion, reduced efficiency, and risks of damage to components such as pistons and engine valves.

Several affected models include the Toyota Raize Turbo, Daihatsu Rocky 1.0T, as well as performance cars like the Honda Civic RS Turbo or SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo. Generally, these vehicles are designed to use fuel with a minimum RON of 92, or even higher for optimal performance.

Therefore, amid the fuel price increase, turbo car owners should still follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.