Toyota Admits Diesel Car Sales Have Been Disrupted

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The rise in price of unsubsidised diesel fuel is expected to affect not only new car sales but also begin to influence the used diesel car market. Increasing operating costs are causing some consumers to think more carefully before choosing a diesel-powered vehicle. Currently, the price of unsubsidised diesel fuel at several gas stations in the Jabodetabek area is around Rp 26,000 to Rp 30,890 per litre. Marketing Director of Toyota Astra Motor, Bansar Maduma, said the rise in unsubsidised diesel price has indeed started to impact the diesel vehicle market. ‘The significant rise in unsubsidised diesel fuel prices has indeed affected the sales of diesel models that are technologically required to use unsubsidised fuel,’ Bansar told Kompas.com on Monday, 18 May 2026. He said the market conditions currently are also influenced by economic factors that are not yet stable. As a result, the public tends to be more cautious before buying vehicles, including used diesel-powered cars. ‘So the public tends to wait and see when purchasing vehicles in general. The considerations are not only about the technology of the vehicle chosen, but also other needs and priorities,’ said Bansar. Nevertheless, the rise in fuel prices makes prospective buyers more carefully calculate daily operating costs before deciding to buy a used diesel car. On the other hand, Toyota also sees increased interest in vehicles considered more efficient after fuel prices rose. ‘The increase in the share of Hybrid EVs after the rise in fuel prices also indicates positive public interest in a more efficient vehicle option,’ he said.