Sudden Hike in Non-Subsidized Fuel Prices Causes Controversy, Kompas.com
By Adhyasta Dirgantara and Robertus Belarminus for Kompas.com, April 20, 2026
JAKARTA – The price of non-subsidized fuel was hiked unexpectedly on April 18, 2026, without public warning. Pertamax Turbo (98) gasoline was raised to Rp. 19,400 per liter, an increase of Rp. 6,300 from its previous price of Rp. 13,100.
Dexlite was increased even more dramatically, now priced at Rp. 23,600 per liter, up Rp. 9,400 from Rp. 14,200 previously. Pertamina Dex was also increased by Rp. 9,400, climbing from Rp. 14,500 to Rp. 23,900 per liter. (The U.S. dollar is currently trading around Rp. 17,000.)
In contrast, the prices for Pertamax (92) and Pertamax Green 95 were left unchanged at Rp. 12,300 and Rp. 12,900 per liter, respectively.
The government’s failure to warn the public about the sudden rise in non-subsidized fuel prices is now attracting comment, with some calling it as an undue burden on citizens. Indonesian House of Representative Commission VI member Representative Mufti Anam from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction, criticized the government’s lack of communication over the changes.
“The fuel price increases were implemented without public announcement and contradicts previous government assurances about fuel prices,” Mufti said in a press release on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
He described the policy as burdensome, calling it a backward step given the government has previously managed to hold off on increasing subsidized fuel prices amid the global pressures on oil prices.
Mufti also pointed to inconsistencies between earlier government assurances and the current price changes. “The public was led to believe fuel prices would not rise, but the increase in prices was sudden without any warning and was poorly communicated,” he added.
He expressed concern that the increase in non-subsidized fuel is consistent with with longstanding fears about possible price adjustments through other schemes, especially as subsidized fuel prices have remain unchanged.
Representative Rivqy Abdul Halim, another member of House Commission VI, urged the government to ensure the increase in fuel prices does not lead to increases in the cost of staple foods. “The stability of food prices, especially for essential items, has to be maintained to make sure people’s purchasing power isn’t eroded,” he said in a press release on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
He acknowledged the fuel price hike could seem sudden to the public, but emphasized the need for clear communication to avoid heightened anxiety. Halim urged transparency about fuel availability, subsidies, and distribution issues to help the public understand the policies better.
Boost EV sales
Addressing the potential impact of the price increases, Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Executive Director of the Center for Economic and Law Studies (Celios), suggested that the increase in non-subsidized fuel prices could motivate middle- and upper-class consumers to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which are seen as more environmentally friendly and efficient.
“For the middle- and upper-class groups who usually use Pertamax Turbo or Pertamina Dex, there is a tendency to want to switch to electric vehicles,” Bhima said in an interview in Jakarta on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Challenges facing EVs
However, he noted that for many in the middle class, the shift to electric vehicles remains challenging because of disruptions in the vehicle production supply chain and decreasing government incentives for EV purchases this year.
“But for the middle class, people are still weighing their options because the production and supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have also raised the price of EV components and production,” Bhima said.
“Also, EV incentives will be significantly reduced in 2026, and this will lead to changes in consumer behavior across different groups.”
Social Media: President looking to Russia to secure oil?
On April 16, 2026, KompasTV’s flagship current affairs talk show “Satu Meja The Formum” discussed the US-Iran conflict, heating up again following the failure of negotiations. Amid the conflict and confusion, Indonesia’s President Prabowo has set off on overseas tours of Russia and France, claiming to be aimed at securing Indonesia’s oil reserves. The panel discusses what the government should do if the war continues.
This post is based on https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/04/20/05220951/ramai-ramai-menyoal-kenaikan-mendadak-harga-bbm-non-subsidi. Featured image credit: The price of Pertamax Turbo increased at gas stations in the Pancoran area, South Jakarta, Saturday (18/4/2026). (Kompas.com/Hafizh Wahyu Darmawan)
In related news:
Stories From Indonesia 
Leave a Reply