Pertamina Responds to Fishermen's Boats Not Setting Sail Due to Diesel Price Increase
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN) has addressed reports that hundreds of fishermen’s boats in Indramayu have stopped sailing following the adjustment of non-subsidised fuel oil (BBM) prices. The company emphasised that fuel distribution to fishermen continues in accordance with prevailing regulations.
Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, stated that fishermen with boats measuring under 30 gross tonnage (GT) are still entitled to subsidised BBM in the form of Biosolar. He explained that boats over 30 GT fall into the industrial category and must use non-subsidised BBM due to their larger engine requirements and longer operational ranges.
“For fishermen with engines under 30 GT, they are entitled to subsidised BBM. For those with boats over 30 GT, due to the larger engine size, longer sailing distances, and greater capacity, they use non-subsidised BBM. If they are using non-subsidised BBM, it means their boats are over 30 GT, so they should use non-subsidised fuel in line with the rules and provisions,” said Roberth to Republika on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
On the other hand, reports from Indramayu indicate that the sailing activities of some fishermen have been disrupted. Protests occurred at the Karangsong Fish Auction Site (TPI) in response to the rise in industrial diesel prices.
General Chairman of the Pantura Fishermen’s Movement, Kajidin, stated that the sharp increase in diesel prices has not been matched by rising fish prices, leading several boats to halt operations. “Diesel prices have risen sharply, while fish prices have not increased. As a result, many boats are not sailing,” said Kajidin.
The current price of industrial diesel is around Rp 27,000 per litre, up from approximately Rp 16,000 per litre previously. This situation has raised operational costs, particularly for larger boats. Chairman of the Mina Sumitra Karangsong Sea Fishing Cooperative (KPL), Suwarto, noted that some of the fleet has stopped operating since after Eid al-Fitr.
“Out of around 300 boats using industrial diesel, more than 100 boats are not sailing. The rest are still at sea and may face similar conditions upon return,” said Suwarto.
He added that each boat employs about 15–17 crew members, so the impact is widely felt by workers in the fisheries sector.
Referring to Presidential Regulation Number 191 of 2014 and the 2026 targeted distribution policy update, fishermen’s boats up to 30 GT are entitled to subsidised BBM with limited quotas. Distribution is carried out through recommendations from relevant agencies and registration in the MyPertamina Targeted Subsidy system. Purchases are limited to the quotas set by BPH Migas. Meanwhile, boats over 30 GT, as well as industrial, logistics, and tourism vessels, must use non-subsidised BBM such as Dexlite or Pertamina Dex.
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga adjusted prices for some non-subsidised BBM products starting 4 May 2026, in line with global oil price dynamics and exchange rates. “Non-subsidised products follow economic prices and applicable provisions, while still considering purchasing power and national stability,” said Roberth in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday (4/5/2026).
In this adjustment, the price of Pertamax (RON 92) remains at Rp 12,300 per litre and Pertamax Green 95 at Rp 12,900 per litre. Meanwhile, Pertamax Turbo (RON 98) has risen to Rp 19,900 per litre. Dexlite has increased to Rp 26,000 per litre, and Pertamina Dex to Rp 27,900 per litre.
Roberth stated that this step is taken to maintain a balance between business sustainability and national interests amid global pressures.
Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that non-subsidised BBM prices follow market mechanisms as they are intended for affluent groups.
He reaffirmed that the government will maintain the stability of subsidised BBM and LPG until the end of 2026 in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. “But for BBM for affluent society, it follows market laws,” said Bahlil.
This policy is implemented amid global geopolitical dynamics affecting supply chains and energy prices. For subsidised BBM, the ESDM Minister ensured no increases until the end of the year.