April 21, 2026 | 02:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has called on the middle and upper classes to refrain from switching to subsidized fuel. The appeal comes amid growing concerns that consumers might migrate from non-subsidized fuel following a recent price hike.
"By doing so, we would take away the rights of our fellow citizens who are entitled to it. Isn't that shameful for us?" Bahlil remarked following a press conference at the ESDM Ministry office on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Bahlil emphasized that subsidized fuel is strictly reserved for those in financial need. He pointed out that he and other ministry officials are required to use high-specification fuels such as Pertamax Turbo (RON 98), Pertamina Dex, or Dexlite.
"I just want to say, subsidized fuel is for our deserving fellow citizens. People like me, the Director General, or the Deputy Minister, don't switch to subsidized fuel because the price of RON 98 fuel increases," he stated.
However, the Golkar Party Chair ensured that the government would continue to monitor the distribution of subsidized fuel to ensure it reaches the intended recipients.
On a separate note, Bahlil kept the door open for future price fluctuations in non-subsidized fuel, following the price adjustments for Pertamax Turbo (RON 98), Dexlite (CN 51), and Pertamina Dex (CN 53) effective April 18, 2026.
Citing ESDM Ministerial Decree Number 245.K/MG.01/MEM.M/2022, businesses possess the authority to adjust non-subsidized fuel prices on a monthly basis. However, Bahlil stressed that adjustments do not always mean an increase, as they will strictly follow the volatility of global oil prices.
"If prices go down, they won't increase. But if the global price rises, there may be an adjustment," he said.
Previously, state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina raised the prices of several non-subsidized fuels, including Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex, effective Saturday, April 18, 2026. According to Pertamina’s official website, the price of Pertamax Turbo in the Jakarta area jumped to Rp19,400 per liter on April 18, up from Rp13,100 per liter on April 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, the price of Dexlite surged from Rp14,200 to Rp23,600 per liter, while Pertamina Dex rose from Rp14,500 to Rp23,900 per liter. These price shifts were also implemented across several other provinces.
However, Pertamina has maintained the price of Pertamax (RON 92) at Rp12,300 per liter and Pertamax Green at Rp12,900 per liter. As for subsidized fuels, prices remain unchanged, with Pertalite held at Rp10,000 per liter and Biosolar at Rp6,800 per liter.
Read: CORE: Middle Class Households Most Affected by Fuel, LPG Price Hike
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