Purbaya Discusses Potential Shift of Consumers to Pertalite

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed there is a possibility that some consumers will switch to buying Pertalite fuel after the price of Pertamax increased. However, he is confident that many will continue to use Pertamax despite the non-subsidised fuel’s price having surged by around 30 per cent. “There will definitely be a certain percentage that switches. But, it shouldn’t be everyone. Why? Because those who buy Pertamax know their cars are suited for Pertamax,” Purbaya said after a meeting with the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, 11 June 2026. Despite this, Purbaya could not estimate what percentage of consumers would switch to the subsidised fuel after the Pertamax price hike. Purbaya also has not calculated the impact on the fuel subsidy burden. News of the price increase for two non-subsidised fuels first emerged on Tuesday evening, 9 June 2026. Pertamina Patra Niaga then announced the price increases for Pertamax and Pertamax Green starting 10 June 2026. The price of non-subsidised Pertamax (RON 92) rose about 32 per cent from Rp 12,300 to Rp 16,250 per litre. Meanwhile, Pertamax Green 95 (RON 95) increased 31 per cent from Rp 12,900 to Rp 17,000 per litre. “The price adjustment for Pertamax and Pertamax Green was carried out after an evaluation process according to the price formula set by the government,” said Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun, as quoted from Antara. Chairperson of the Indonesian Transport Workers Union, Lily Pujiati, said the Pertamax price hike risks eroding the purchasing power of online motorcycle taxi drivers. Under these conditions, switching to Pertalite becomes the most realistic option. According to Lily, fuel costs are fully borne by the drivers while daily income is uncertain. “On the other hand, there is concern that Pertalite will become scarce because of high demand,” she said. She hopes the government will lower fuel prices to maintain the purchasing power of online motorcycle taxi drivers, including the prices of other goods, as saving strategies feel increasingly heavy if prices continue to soar.