PravadaNews – The price of non-subsidized fuel (BBM) from PT Pertamina (Persero) experienced an increase on Monday, May 4, 2026.
The non-subsidized fuels subject to price adjustments include Pertamax Turbo, Pertamina Dex, and Dexlite.
Based on data from PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, as of May 4, 2026, the price of Pertamax Turbo is now Rp19,900 per liter, up from the previous Rp19,400 per liter. This represents an increase of around Rp500 per liter.
Meanwhile, the price of Dexlite increased by Rp2,400, from Rp23,600 to Rp26,000 per liter. Furthermore, Pertamina Dex increased by Rp4,000 per liter, from Rp23,900 per liter to Rp27,900 per liter.
The National Coordinator of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, Aryanto Nugroho, stated that the adjustment of non-subsidized fuel prices amid fluctuations in global crude oil prices is a normal occurrence under market mechanisms.
Nevertheless, the government must remain vigilant regarding the increase in non-subsidized fuel prices. Ary said the government needs to prepare strategic steps in case the State Budget (APBN) can no longer bear the subsidy burden.
“What is far more crucial to anticipate is the point when the state’s financial capacity or the State Budget (APBN) is no longer able to withstand the burden of subsidies and compensation (for subsidized fuel), should oil prices continue to rise and the exchange rate become unstable,” Ary told PravadaNews on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
Ary noted that the increase in non-subsidized fuel prices will trigger a shift among middle-to-upper-class consumers. He predicted these consumers will switch to subsidized fuel.
“This increase is prone to triggering the migration of middle-to-upper-class consumers to subsidized fuels like Pertalite and Biosolar,” Ary explained.
Therefore, the government needs to implement strict monitoring of the subsidized fuel quota.
“The government is obliged to tighten supervision so that the subsidy quota is not breached, which would unnecessarily burden the fiscal budget,” Ary concluded.
A Heavy Burden for Fishermen
The surge in the price of non-subsidized diesel fuel, which exceeded Rp 30,000 per liter, has sparked protests by fishermen in Batang Regency, Central Java.
Dozens of representatives of fishermen and boat owners went to the Batang Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) building to demand a special fuel pricing policy for the fisheries sector.
This diesel price increase, which has been ongoing since April 2026, is considered highly burdensome for fishing operations, especially for vessels over 30 gross tons (GT). Previously, the diesel price was in the range of Rp 9,000 to Rp 10,000 per liter.
Protest coordinator Diharnoko said that the price spike has caused many boats to cease operations because the cost of going out to sea has risen drastically.
“So, with the current prices, supply costs can double. If we force ourselves to depart, it’s a guaranteed loss. Out of about 40 boats, maybe only five are still operating now,” he told reporters on Monday (May 4, 2026).
Source: Pravada News