Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Regarding Pertashop Entrepreneurs Asking To Sell Pertalite: Pertamax Will Not Do It Later

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif responded to the possibility of Pertamina Shop (Pertashop) selling Pertalite-subsidized fuel.

According to Arifin, Pertashop's task from the start was to distribute non-subsidized fuel such as Pertamax to the public.

By selling Pertalite, said Arifin, it is feared that Pertamax will not be in demand by the public.

"If (sell) Pertalite later Pertamax will not sell," said Arifin to the media crew, Wednesday, July 12.

Present at the same time, Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director Riva Siahaan admitted that his party was reviewing the possibility.

"In principle, we will see what is more likely to provide benefits for friends in the Pertashop community, this is still being studied for the best," he told the media, Wednesday, July 12.

He added that if his party could not immediately forge subsidy products directly, they still needed a more in-depth study.

In addition, he admitted that Pertamina would also prepare the best solutions.

Riva explained that his party is also discussing with stakeholders so that they can provide the best solution, especially for price problems that are deemed too burdensome for Pertashop entrepreneurs.

"So later we will see which solution is the best. But it has become our concern," added Riva.

He reiterated that Pertalite's placement in Pertashop cannot be done immediately because Pertalite is a product subsidized by the government but it will take another approach.

"The point is that it does not increase accessibility to the affordability community, maybe we will use pertashop and it will also benefit both on two sides, both pertashop and society," concluded Riva.