Used Diesel Car Showroom Admits Sales Beginning to Be Impacted by Solar Prices

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The increase in diesel fuel prices, including non-subsidised solar, is beginning to have an impact on the used diesel car market. Previously, diesel cars were highly sought after for being fuel-efficient and robust for long journeys, but now consumer interest is starting to slow. This situation is felt by used car dealers, particularly for popular models such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner, and Kijang Innova diesel. Singgih, the owner of Willies Mobil in Kelapa Dua, Depok, said the rise in diesel fuel prices is making potential buyers think twice before purchasing diesel-engine vehicles. “If you say it’s influential, it certainly is. Before this increase, diesel cars were indeed on the rise,” said Singgih to Kompas.com in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday (12/5/2026). According to him, the trend for diesel cars was previously quite strong, especially among consumers seeking large vehicles with lower operating costs thanks to the use of biosolar. “From what I’ve seen, the buyers are mostly from the middle to lower class. They look for Innova or Fortuner to use as ‘cumi darat’ because they still consume biosolar,” said Singgih. The term “cumi darat” is commonly used to describe luxurious or imposing vehicles used daily in urban areas, even if not for heavy work needs. Meanwhile, for middle to upper-class consumers, diesel cars are still considered attractive because they offer better comfort and performance compared to ordinary petrol cars. “For the middle to upper class, they might use diesel for comfort factors. It’s called using VRZ for seeking comfort,” said Singgih. However, the situation changed after the price of non-subsidised solar surged. According to Singgih, consumers are now starting to worry about the operating costs of diesel vehicles, especially for owners who previously relied on the price difference between subsidised and non-subsidised solar. “But the middle to lower class is definitely jittery seeing the current fuel prices. Diesel prices like that can’t possibly not have an impact,” he said. He stated that the impact is now starting to be felt directly on the sales of used diesel cars in showrooms. Previously, several used car dealers also admitted that the diesel market began to slow since the sharp rise in solar prices in May 2026.