Unsubsidised Pertalite Fuel Price Higher Than Pertamax, Here's Why

A fuel purchase receipt for Pertalite listing a price of Rp18,040 per litre has gone viral on social media. The figure is far higher than the price the public actually pays for Pertalite and even exceeds the price of Pertamax, sparking numerous questions. Responding to this, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga explained that the figure on the receipt represents the price of Pertalite if calculated based on the cost of energy supply and market prices. Meanwhile, the price paid by the public still refers to the provisions set by the government. Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga Roberth MV Dumatubun stated that fuel subsidy policy is the authority of the government, while Pertamina’s role is to distribute fuel in accordance with applicable regulations. “We act as an operator that implements and complies with government policies regarding the distribution of subsidised fuel. The current selling price of Pertalite paid by the public is a price set by the government, taking into account various social and economic aspects,” Roberth said in an official statement on Sunday (21/6/2026). Pertamina also explained that Pertamax is a non-subsidised fuel whose price follows market developments. However, the company continues to coordinate with the government to maintain national energy price stability. In the previous period, the price of Pertamax was also held back from increasing. “The adjustment to the Pertamax price on 10 June 2026 also considered various factors, including economic conditions, public purchasing power, government fiscal sustainability, and business continuity. Similar adjustments were also made by other fuel providers. Nevertheless, the current selling price has not fully followed the economic price based on international market prices,” he said. Pertamina added that if the Pertamax price fully followed market conditions and world oil prices, its value would be higher than the unsubsidised Pertalite price. “We urge the public to always refer to official information from the government and Pertamina and not be easily influenced by information that is not accompanied by a complete explanation,” Roberth concluded.