YLKI Regrets Sudden Increase in Pertamax Prices

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has stated that the sudden announcement of a price increase for Pertamax and Pertamax Green has caused shock among the public. According to YLKI Executive Secretary Rio Priambodo, his organisation understands that non-subsidised fuel prices are influenced by global oil price dynamics and the rupiah exchange rate. However, he said the price adjustment must still consider consumer protection aspects, transparency, and its impact on society. “YLKI regrets the price increase announcement which was made suddenly without adequate notice to the public,” Rio said in a statement received on Wednesday (10/6). According to him, as a product that is widely used and impacts household expenditure, price changes should be conveyed more transparently and provide sufficient time for consumers to adjust their economic decisions. “YLKI urges Pertamina and the government to disclose in more detail the formula and components that form the price so that consumers can understand the reasons for the price adjustment,” he stressed. On the other hand, the increase in Pertamax prices has the potential to encourage some consumers to switch to Pertalite. YLKI assesses this condition must be seriously anticipated by the government and Pertamina. The goal is to avoid a surge in demand leading to long queues, distribution restrictions, or even fuel scarcity in a number of regions. “Those who are entitled to subsidised fuel should not become the most disadvantaged party,” Rio said. YLKI also observes that fuel price increases always have a chain effect on transportation costs, goods distribution, and household spending. The middle-class segment is the most affected group because they do not enjoy fuel subsidies but must bear the increase in energy costs. “Therefore, the government needs to anticipate the impact of inflation and maintain stability in supply and fuel prices, which support the community’s economic activities,” he explained. YLKI also emphasised that the price increase must be accompanied by an improvement in service quality directly felt by consumers. The public is deemed entitled to guaranteed fuel quality, ease of access, distribution reliability, measurement accuracy, and better service at petrol stations. “Consumers must not only be asked to accept price increases without receiving commensurate improvements in benefits and service quality,” Rio stated. YLKI considers this incident demonstrates the need for an evaluation of public communication governance regarding price changes for strategic goods and services. YLKI is also pushing for a more transparent and measurable notification standard for every price adjustment that has a broad impact on society, so that consumers’ right to information can be better protected.