In an official statement, Mohammad Barun, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Pertamina, confirmed that the company has not issued any official announcement regarding changes to fuel prices, which means that circulating predictions about an increase in Pertamax fuel prices are inaccurate and unreliable.
Barun pointed out that the information circulating about price increases on social media is not based on any official sources, urging citizens to rely on credible information available through Pertamina's official channels, such as its website www.pertamina.com.
Details of the Event
Barun's statements come at a time when social media users are circulating information suggesting that the price of Pertamax fuel will reach 17,850 Indonesian Rupiah per liter in April 2026, an increase of 5,550 Rupiah from the current price of 12,300 Rupiah per liter. This anticipated increase is attributed to the depreciation of the Indonesian Rupiah against the US dollar, which has risen from 16,819 Rupiah per dollar to 16,877 Rupiah.
Barun also noted that the increase in Pertamax (RON 92) prices may also be influenced by rising oil prices in global markets, where oil prices have surged from $73.91 per barrel to $120, representing an increase of 62.44%, which reflects on local fuel prices.
Background & Context
Pertamina is considered one of the largest oil and gas companies in Indonesia, playing a vital role in meeting the country's energy needs. In recent years, Indonesia has experienced significant fluctuations in fuel prices, impacting the local economy and occasionally leading to public protests.
Amid global economic crises, the Indonesian government is striving to maintain stable fuel prices, especially for subsidized products like Pertalite and Biosolar. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, emphasized the importance of not increasing subsidized fuel prices under the current economic conditions.
Impact & Consequences
Fuel prices are a sensitive issue in Indonesia, directly affecting citizens' living costs. Any increase in fuel prices can lead to a rise in the prices of goods and services, putting additional pressure on low-income families.
This situation requires the government to take effective measures to ensure price stability, including supporting subsidized products and providing accurate information to citizens to avoid rumors that could lead to panic in the market.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are significantly affected by oil prices, as these nations are among the largest oil producers in the world. Any changes in fuel prices in Indonesia may reflect similar trends in global oil markets, impacting Arab countries that rely on oil exports as a primary source of revenue.
Moreover, the stability of fuel prices in Indonesia may serve as a model for Arab countries facing similar challenges in managing fuel prices and maintaining local economic stability.