Energy Observer Regarding Pertashop Selling Pertalite: Distribution Of Subsidized Fuel Is Not A Solution

Energy policy observer Sofyano Zakaria assesses that the discourse that allows Pertashop to distribute subsidized fuel such as Pertalite is not a solution to overcome the sluggish business of selling non-subsidized fuel.

"The problems that Pertashop entrepreneurs complain about do not necessarily have to be overcome by making Pertashop also distribute subsidized fuel," said Sofyano Zakaria, quoted from Antara, Friday, July 21.

According to him, it would be very inappropriate if there was an idea of diverting the distribution of Pertalite from gas stations to Pertashop.

This is because the existence of gas stations in all regions of the Republic of Indonesia has been designed from the start to distribute all types of fuel and has complied with all applicable laws and regulations.

The problem experienced by Pertashop entrepreneurs, said Sofyano, basically is whether or not non-subsidized fuel is not sold or not because Pertashop has to compete with unofficial non-subsidized fuel retailers who can freely sell non-subsidized fuel or even assignment fuel such as Pertalite.

"This Pertashop is surrounded by Pertamina and Pertabots that can freely sell Pertalite's assignment fuel which costs below Pertamax prices," said the Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy Studies (Puskepi).

Sofyano suggested that the government, in this case the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and also the oil and gas BPH, should be able to prevent Pertalite's rembes to the unofficial fuel seller, which is the cause of Pertamax's non-performance which is sold by Pertashop.

"The existence of Pertamina and Perta botteng also needs the attention of the government. The perpetrators should also be fostered and used as partners of Pertamina in distributing Pertamax fuel on a scale that is in accordance with their existence," he said.

On the other hand, Pertashop should be a business opportunity for SMEs and make it easier for people, especially in rural areas to get fuel.

Therefore, the existence of Pertashop must receive the government's full attention and support, for example, when subject to low interest if using credit and also free from other official levies.

"Pertamina is also in time to review the provisions regarding the facilities and facilities that must be built at Pertashop so that investment for Pertashop is no longer as large as hundreds of millions as has happened so far," said Sofyano.

Thus, the burden on Pertashop's business can be reduced as low as possible.

Pertamina must also pay proper attention to the issue of the distance between gas stations and Pertashop, which was initially set at a minimum of 10 kilometers (Km) and also the inter-Pertashop distance, which was ideally around 5 km.

"This must be a standard rule and must be implemented consistently so as not to harm those who distribute fuel," he said.

Previously, the Pertashop Entrepreneurs Association in a Hearing Meeting with Commission VII DPR RI, last week, complained about the lack of transaction value at the outlets they manage.

They asked the government to allow Pertashop to sell Pertalite fuel at non-subsidized prices as is the case at Vivo gas stations.