Restrictions Incoming! These Vehicles Can Still Use Subsidised Pertalite Fuel
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stressed that not all vehicles will be affected by the planned policy to restrict purchases of subsidised fuel, particularly Pertalite (RON 90). The restriction will only target four-wheeled vehicles or cars with certain specifications.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said motorcycle users will still be allowed to purchase Pertalite as usual. To date, the government has not imposed any new ban or special restriction targeting two-wheeled vehicle owners in accessing the subsidised fuel.
“No, motorcycles are not restricted. That means there is no change for motorcycles. Be careful, don’t turn this into a headline, be careful, thank you,” Bahlil said at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta, as quoted on Friday (14/8/2026).
Bahlil explained that the subsidised fuel restriction actually targets types of vehicles deemed ineligible to receive it. He cited luxury cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz as categories of vehicles that should no longer use Pertalite fuel.
“So, regarding the restriction, there will be certain types of vehicles. Don’t use a BMW or a Mercedes and still use subsidised fuel. That is what the Minister (Purbaya) meant earlier,” he said.
On the same occasion, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government is studying the implementation of restrictions on subsidised Pertalite purchases, particularly for upper-income groups. One scheme being examined is limiting subsidies for people in the 9th and 10th deciles.
According to him, the restriction can be implemented gradually. Currently, his ministry is still studying the system to be used so that the policy can be implemented properly.
“So earlier we discussed the possibility of implementing restrictions on Pertalite subsidies for the upper level, perhaps deciles 9 and 10, so that in a few months we can reduce it gradually. We are studying the system, and I have also seen that Pertamina’s system is quite good, so it is ready to be implemented,” he said.