Residents' Shock as Non-Subsidised Fuel Prices Rise by Rp 6,300-Rp 9,400, Leading to Sighs of Relief

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The increase in non-subsidised fuel prices has sparked varied reactions from vehicle users. The price adjustment by PT Pertamina (Persero) for several products such as Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex has forced some drivers to rethink their spending. Even, drivers were shocked by the rise in non-subsidised fuel prices. A driver, Rizki (25), admitted to being surprised after learning of the news from circulating information. “I read the news earlier. Wow, I had to sigh in relief too that fuel prices are rising. I use Pertamax Turbo,” said Rizki when met in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (18/4/2026). He estimated that his daily fuel costs would increase significantly. “Usually, I buy just enough for the day before the rise at Rp 80,000 for this motorbike. If it rises, it could be Rp 90,000 or approaching Rp 100,000 per day,” he added. Rizki chooses non-subsidised fuel considering vehicle performance. According to him, Pertamax Turbo is more comfortable for the engine, especially since he also works part-time as an online ojek driver. “I also do online ojek on the side, so to keep the engine running smoothly. If prices rise like this, hopefully ojek fares increase too,” said Rizki. If usually he starts picking up passengers from 4:00 PM WIB to 9:00 PM WIB, now he is considering extending the time until 11:00 PM WIB. Another driver, Ihsan (28), admitted regretting not filling up the fuel fully before the new prices took effect. “Honestly, when I found out the price was rising, I immediately thought, I should have filled up full last night because the increase is quite substantial, so I’m quite shocked too,” said Ihsan when met by Kompas.com in the Pancoran area, South Jakarta, on Saturday (18/4/2026).