Rising Diesel Prices: How Does the Popularity of the Isuzu Panther Fare?

JAKARTA – Diesel fuel prices have been rising steadily in recent times. As of May 2026, Dexlite and Pertamina Dex have reached Rp 26,000 and Rp 27,900 per litre, respectively. At private fuel stations like BP AKR, diesel is priced at Rp 30,890 per litre.

This situation has sparked discussions on the relevance of older diesel vehicles today. One frequently mentioned model is the Isuzu Panther.

However, does the increase in non-subsidised diesel prices also boost the popularity of the Panther in the used car market?

Rama from Rama Dagang Mobil stated that consumers opting for modern diesel cars generally understand the implications of using high-quality diesel. Meanwhile, Panther buyers typically already know the vehicle’s characteristics.

“Whether (the Panther’s popularity) rises or not, it’s too early to say. It does have its fans,” Rama told Kompas.com on Monday (4/5/2024).

“The stock is gone, sellers are rare, and buyers are scarce too. Isuzu (Panther) is already rare,” Rama added.

Nevertheless, from a pricing perspective, used Isuzu Panthers have been observed to creep upwards in recent times, even though production stopped in 2020.

Based on monitoring of several used vehicle sales websites, younger Panther models are still marketed at relatively high prices.

Meanwhile, the 2005 LS variant remains around Rp 115 million. Older models, such as the 1997 version, are offered starting from Rp 62 million.

Andi from Jordy Mobil showroom at MGK Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, believes Panther prices should still be below those of modern diesels like the Toyota Kijang Innova Diesel.

“I’m not entirely sure about Panther prices. But it should be below the Innova Diesel. It still loses out,” he said recently.

“If it’s in normal condition, it’s expensive. Maybe it’s being hyped. But for me, if the prices are the same, I’d personally choose the Innova Diesel,” Andi added.