Pertamina Adjusts Non-Subsidised Fuel Prices, Netizens Highlight Lack of Socialisation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The sudden increase in the prices of non-subsidised fuels by PT Pertamina (Persero) has elicited varied reactions from the public. Several users admitted to being shocked, as the price adjustment was deemed to occur abruptly without sufficient widespread socialisation. As of 18 April 2026 at 00.00 WIB, Pertamina Patra Niaga officially implemented new prices for several types of non-subsidised fuels. Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth Marcelino Verieza Dumatubun, explained that the policy had followed the appropriate mechanisms in accordance with applicable regulations. “The price adjustment complies with the ministerial regulation and has been coordinated, reported, and discussed with relevant stakeholders,” he stated to Kompas.com on Sunday (19/4/2026). He added that changes in fuel prices refer to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 245.K/MG.01/MEM.M/2022, which allows adjustments to follow market dynamics. Nevertheless, the quite significant price increase has triggered complaints from the public, particularly private vehicle users. Several netizens admitted to being burdened by the price surge that occurred in a short time. “Price fluctuations are already common, it was once at 17 thousand. But this time the increase is almost 10 thousand, yeah, just give us a heads up like that. Middle class like me feels trapped,” said @anishadasuki in his thread. “Hahaha, I was just told by my wife that the diesel price is 23,000 per litre while I was having dinner and my appetite vanished because my car is DIESEL SHOCKED,” dhonnichandra. The fuel price increase occurred amid a surge in global oil prices due to global geopolitical tensions. This condition directly impacts domestic energy costs and has the potential to pressure public purchasing power, especially the middle class that heavily relies on fuel for daily mobility.