ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Eddy Soeparno, has responded to the recent decision by PT Pertamina (Persero) to raise prices of several non-subsidized fuel products as of Saturday, April 18, 2026.
He described the policy as a positive step to protect public purchasing power while also easing pressure on the state budget amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“This move reflects the government’s commitment to lower-income groups, as there have been no price changes for subsidized fuels such as Pertalite, diesel, and 3-kilogram LPG used by households and the transportation sector,” Eddy said in a phone interview from Jakarta on Monday, April 20, 2026.
As officially announced, Pertamina has adjusted fuel prices. According to the MyPertamina website, the price of Pertamax Turbo (RON 98) increased from IDR 13,100 per liter to IDR 19,400 per liter. Dexlite rose from IDR 14,200 to IDR 23,600 per liter, while Pertamina Dex increased from IDR 14,500 to IDR 23,900 per liter.
Eddy noted that the fuels affected by the price hike account for a relatively small share of total consumption—estimated at less than 10% of national fuel usage. As such, he believes the increase will not significantly impact the majority of the population.
He emphasized that the government continues to uphold two key principles: availability and affordability. On the availability side, national energy supplies remain secure, with fuel reserves maintained at approximately 18 to 21 days. On affordability, he said vulnerable groups remain protected through subsidy and compensation schemes.
“To date, the government remains committed to ensuring supply availability, while maintaining stable prices for subsidized fuel and 3-kilogram LPG. This is a strong policy to preserve people’s purchasing power,” said the National Mandate Party (PAN) politician.
The University of Indonesia law graduate also stressed that fuel price adjustments are a routine mechanism carried out periodically in response to global oil price movements and exchange rate fluctuations.
Throughout 2025–2026, global oil prices have fluctuated within the range of USD 75–90 per barrel, making such adjustments a reasonable step.
With stable energy supply and distribution, Eddy concluded that the government has steered the national energy sector into a more secure position.
“With supply guaranteed, we are now in a safe zone. The hope is that this condition will continue,” he said. (Silvia Andriani)
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