When Will Pertalite Restrictions Take Effect? Here's the Explanation from Purbaya and Bahlil

The government’s plan to restrict the distribution of subsidised Pertalite fuel to households in deciles 9 and 10 is still being finalised. During the discussion process, the distribution scheme for Pertalite in the field continues to follow existing regulations.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the technical implementation of subsidised fuel restrictions will adopt a phased approach, supported by the readiness of Pertamina’s distribution system infrastructure. Under this scheme, households in deciles 9 and 10 are planned to no longer have access to Pertalite and will be directed to use non-subsidised fuel. The government is targeting this well-targeted policy to be fully implemented once all system and regulatory preparations are finalised.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the subsidised fuel distribution scheme has not yet changed. “The Pertalite restriction is still under discussion,” Bahlil said on Wednesday (20/8).

Bahlil added that the daily quota limit still refers to the applicable provisions, namely 200 litres per day for transport vehicles such as buses and lorries, and 50 litres per day for private four-wheeled vehicles. “It is still like that,” he said.

The government continues to emphasise that subsidised fuel is intended for groups of people who need it. For affluent groups, using non-subsidised fuel is a form of concern for fairness in the distribution of energy subsidies. “Those who are already wealthy, those who are already able, should not take the people’s rights. Subsidies are for our brothers and sisters who are entitled to receive them,” Bahlil said.