Will Subsidised Fuel Prices Rise from 1 April? Bahlil's Response

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has spoken out regarding the issue of a potential increase in the price of subsidised Fuel Oil (BBM) starting 1 April 2026. Bahlil assured that the government continues to prioritise the protection of small-scale communities through subsidised BBM policies. The final decision on subsidised BBM prices lies with President Prabowo Subianto.

“Insya Allah, following the direction of the President, for subsidised BBM up to now, I believe the President has a heart for paying attention to the small people. Trust me. Wait for the decisive date, the President will decide what is best for the people, the nation, and the country,” Bahlil said, quoted from the Instagram account @melangkahdaritimur.id, Tuesday (31/3/2026).

On the other hand, Bahlil explained that the 2022 Minister of ESDM Regulation includes two BBM pricing schemes, namely for the industrial and non-industrial sectors.

For industrial BBM such as RON 95 and RON 98, the prices fully follow market mechanisms without government intervention.

“For industrial ones, even if not announced, it continues to happen based on market prices. So whether announced or not, it will follow market prices,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil added that such types of BBM are generally consumed by affluent communities, so they are not a priority for government subsidies.

“What we focus on concerns subsidies. As I said earlier, for subsidies, wait for the decisive date. Insya Allah, I am confident that the President, in making policies, always considers and prioritises the condition of the community,” he stated.