Several Meetings Have Been Held To Consider Raising Fuel Prices, Coordinating Ministry For The Economy: Will Not Burden The Community

Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, confirmed the news that the government was considering an increase in the price of various types of fuel oil (BBM). In fact, the government has also held several meetings related to this matter.

This is done as an effort to maintain the health of the 2022 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) with an allocation of IDR 502 trillion until the end of the year for energy subsidies. On the other hand, world oil prices continue to rise at the global level.

"The numbers are all being calculated, we are preparing the numbers. We have had several meetings,” said Susiwijono at the Sarinah Building, Central Jakarta, Monday, August 15.

According to Susi, the calculation of the increase in fuel prices is being carried out by various ministries and related institutions. Including the impact of rising inflation that can be generated if the government decides to increase fuel prices.

But unfortunately, Susi is reluctant to say which type of fuel will increase in price. "Everything is being calculated, if it goes up it will contribute to inflation, how much will it drive inflation," he said.

According to Susi, the plan to increase fuel prices has become the government's option. This is because the government has been holding back the price of fuel so that it does not have a direct impact on the community.

However, the high world oil price will become a new burden for the state budget if the price continues to be held back. "We have enough space in our state budget. Maybe so that the selling price does not need to be high between the selling price and the economy is very high. We are calculating whether we need an option to increase the price (or not)," he said.

Won't Be Heavy on Society

Susi ensured that if the government was forced to increase the price of fuel, the value of the increase would not be too high and burden the community.

"Even if it goes up, we will not make it too heavy," he said.

Not only that, said Susi, the government will also distribute social assistance for the lower middle class. Especially those who are directly affected.

"If there is a price increase (BBM) we will prepare more social assistance and this is more fair. At the current price, everyone can enjoy it, those who use cars also use it. So we can channel this to social assistance," he said.