Pertamina Clarifies Restrictions on Pertalite Fuel for Certain Motorcycles at Some Petrol Stations

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has spoken out regarding the policy of a number of public fuel filling stations (SPBU) that have begun restricting the purchase of subsidised fuel for Suzuki Thunder motorcycles. The policy was implemented as an anticipatory measure to prevent the suspected misuse of subsidised fuel.

Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth M.V. Dumatubun, said that the restriction is a proactive policy taken by each individual SPBU. “This policy is a proactive policy taken by the SPBU. This arrangement is the policy of each SPBU,” he told CNBC Indonesia on Monday (20/7/2026).

Nevertheless, he emphasised that in principle, Pertamina supports the targeted distribution of subsidised fuel. Therefore, his party urges both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles to use subsidised fuel reasonably and according to normal needs.

Roberth denied the notion that the policy targets a specific motorcycle brand. According to him, Suzuki Thunder motorcycles used for normal daily activities do not experience any issues when filling up with fuel at SPBUs. “This is not a limitation or specificity for a certain brand, even the statement from the Chairman of the motorcycle club said they had no problems filling up at SPBUs because it is used for reasonable daily activities,” he stated.

However, he acknowledged that in the field, several individuals were found to be exploiting certain types of motorcycles by modifying the fuel tank, causing its capacity to exceed the manufacturer’s specifications, or by refuelling repeatedly. “This is what prompted the policy to emerge with a positive spirit for supply equalisation and there is no intention to discredit a particular brand,” Roberth said.