Gotrade News - An increase in non-subsidized fuel prices in Indonesia is on the horizon. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, have triggered a global oil price surge, leading to a direct hike in fuel prices starting April 1, 2026.
The global crude oil price has risen from an average of USD 70 per barrel to USD 90 per barrel, causing Pertamax prices to potentially exceed IDR 15,000 per liter. Oil industry expert, Hadi Ismoyo, explained that this increase corresponds to a 28% rise in crude oil prices compared to the previous average.
If the average crude oil price reaches USD 100 per barrel, Pertamax could potentially increase by 43%, reaching IDR 17,160 per liter. However, he urges the government not to raise subsidized fuel prices like Pertalite to prevent further economic strain on the public.
Economic analyst Wisnu Wibowo confirmed the rise in non-subsidized fuel prices as a natural response to the spike in Brent oil prices on the global market. The price of RON 92 fuel is expected to rise by approximately IDR 1,000 from its original price of IDR 12,000 per liter.
In the previous month, several types of non-subsidized fuel had already seen price adjustments. The prices for Pertamax Green (RON 95) and Pertamax Turbo have also increased to IDR 12,900 and IDR 13,100 per liter, respectively. This situation aligns with the price-setting mechanism influenced by global oil price trends and the rupiah exchange rate.
Meanwhile, the government tends to maintain stable subsidized fuel prices to ensure economic stability for the public. Price adjustment policies are considered a last resort when fiscal pressures mount.
Further assessment of the Middle East situation and policy anticipation options is required before implementing broader adjustments. With no panic buying evident yet, the government has time to evaluate more thoroughly until May.
The government's proactive measures need to be expedited, especially if global oil prices remain high. Economist Hendry Cahyono emphasized the importance of responsive fiscal strategies to keep the impact of price hikes under control.
Reference:
- Liputan6, Begini Prediksi Harga BBM pada 1 April 2026. Accessed on March 31, 2026
- Liputan6, Harga BBM Diprediksi Naik 10% per 1 April 2026, RON 92 Jadi Segini. Accessed on March 31, 2026
- MetroTV, Benarkah Harga Pertamax Naik April 2026? Ini Penjelasan Resmi Pertamina. Accessed on March 31, 2026
Featured Image: GPT Image 1.5
