Used Car Dealers Opt for Small and Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Stock

JAKARTA – Used car dealers claim they have anticipated the fuel price increase well before the official adjustment. As is known, Pertamina has officially adjusted fuel prices as of 18 April 2026. The price of Dexlite now stands at Rp23,600 per litre, while Pertamina Dex reaches Rp23,900 per litre. For that reason, said Andi, used car dealers are beginning to shift their stock to vehicles with small engine capacities that are more fuel-efficient. “So, like this, I see that the current diesel price is indeed the highest compared to before. It can even be said that it is now at the highest level,” said Andi to Kompas.com on Saturday (18/4/2026). “If this policy has been finalised by the government, then the prices will certainly remain high,” he said. Meanwhile, diesel SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or Toyota Fortuner are potentially facing a slowdown in sales. Although it is not certain to plummet immediately, the market is expected to move more cautiously in the near term. “I am also no longer focusing on vehicles with large engine capacities now. Since yesterday, I have been preparing by only taking vehicles under 2,000 cc, at most 2,000 cc.” Andi assesses that consumers will tend to be more rational in choosing vehicles. In addition to the purchase price, daily usage costs such as fuel consumption become the primary consideration. “Meanwhile, for small cars like the Honda Brio, I see that demand will still be there, because they are usually used for daily operational needs,” said Andi.