Social media stir over claims certain vehicle brands are barred from using Pertalite, Pertamina speaks out

Jakarta — PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has denied information circulating on social media about a list of vehicle brands allegedly not permitted to buy Pertalite from 1 June 2026. ‘Information regarding a list of certain vehicle brands that are said not to be allowed to buy Pertalite from 1 June 2026 is confirmed to be false because to date there is no government or regulator directive or plan,’ Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun said in a press release confirmed to ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday. He emphasised that there is currently no plan or instruction from the government regarding restrictions on Pertalite based on vehicle brand or engine capacity as described in the posts circulating on social media. ‘We urge the public not to easily trust or spread information that has not been verified,’ Roberth said. Roberth noted that Pertamina Patra Niaga operates under an energy distribution mandate and will follow the government’s official policy. ‘Again, we emphasise that there is currently no government rule or directive relating to Pertalite restrictions based on vehicle brand or engine capacity,’ he said. At present, Pertalite distribution and supply services continue to operate normally. The Targeted Subsidy Programme is part of efforts to improve governance of energy distribution so that it is more precisely targeted, and cannot be equated with the viral information listing certain vehicles that are prohibited from buying fuel. Pertamina Patra Niaga urges the public to verify information through official government channels, regulators, or Pertamina before reposting information online to avoid being swayed by information whose accuracy cannot yet be determined. For more information about Pertamina Patra Niaga’s products and services, the public can contact the Pertamina Contact Centre 135. (Ant)