West Java Police Uncover 17 Cases of Subsidised Fuel and LPG Misuse

The West Java Regional Police have uncovered 17 cases of misuse of subsidised fuel (BBM) and LPG throughout January to May 2026, designating 31 individuals as suspects. Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the West Java Police, Commissioner Pol Wirdhanto Hadicaksono, stated that these revelations demonstrate the police’s commitment to addressing perpetrators in the oil and gas sector. “Based on statements from the perpetrators, the potential state loss amounts to nearly Rp19 billion, which has already been obtained by the 31 suspects,” Wirdhanto said in Bandung on Wednesday. For the subsidised BBM cases, the perpetrators used modified vehicles or fake number plates to purchase subsidised diesel at fuel stations. “The modus operandi for purchasing subsidised BBM at fuel stations involves modified vehicles, commonly known as ‘helicopters’,” he explained. According to him, the subsidised diesel purchased at Rp6,800 to Rp7,800 per litre is then resold to various industries at Rp15,000 to Rp20,000 per litre. “This results in a significant price disparity and profits for the perpetrators,” he added. “The price disparity alone can yield profits of up to Rp173,000 per cylinder,” Wirdhanto stated. In these operations, the police seized evidence including 10,800 litres of diesel, 472 litres of Pertalite, 2,429 units of 3-kg LPG cylinders, 235 units of 5-kg cylinders, and 542 units of 12-kg cylinders. For their actions, the suspects are charged under the Oil and Gas Law, facing a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.